Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has sparked headlines after admitting he’d rather play a 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than a player not giving their all—taking direct aim at Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has been absent from matchday squads for six weeks, including Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League. When questioned about Rashford’s ongoing exclusion, Amorim didn’t hold back.
“It’s always the same reason—the training, the way I see a footballer should behave in life. It’s every day, every detail,” Amorim said. “If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same for every player—if you do the maximum and the right things, we can use you. Otherwise, no.”
In a strong statement, the United boss even joked he would prefer fielding the club’s goalkeeper coach, Jorge Vital, over any player who lacks commitment.
Sources close to Rashford, 27, insist the England forward has no issues with Amorim and is eager to play again. However, a potential loan move to Barcelona remains in limbo, hinging on whether players like Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati agree to exit the Nou Camp.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given weighed in on BBC Match of the Day, supporting Amorim’s stance: “Fans aren’t stupid. They see when players aren’t giving their best, and Amorim is just being honest. If you don’t train hard and dedicate yourself, you don’t deserve to play.”
On the flip side, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger questioned Amorim’s approach: “He wants to set an example, but this could permanently damage their relationship. Amorim is under pressure too—if you’re that harsh, your team has to deliver results.”
With Manchester United in need of consistency, Amorim’s no-nonsense philosophy sends a clear message: standards come first. Whether Rashford rises to meet them remains to be seen.