Amorim says he’d rather pick 63-year-old coach over Rashford

Because of a glaring lack of effort, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has suggested he’d rather give his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach a spot on the bench than Marcus Rashford.

The England international was substituted once more for Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League because he hasn’t played for United in six weeks.

It’s unclear what the future holds for Rashford, who Amorim criticized for not acting as though he was “giving the maximum every day” with the transfer window closing on February 3.

“It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail”, said Amorim, when asked why Rashford was not available.

“If things don’t change, I will not change. Every player is in the same situation, and if you make the most of each player, we can use them all.

You can see on the bench that we lack pace, but I would place [ Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before someone who doesn’t give it their all day.

Rashford, 27, had previously claimed he had no issues with Amorim and was willing to play for the club once more.

The arrival of Kyle Walker has ended fans’ hopes of moving to AC Milan, who can only sign one English player this month.

Both Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati have shown little interest in leaving the Nou Camp, and a potential loan to Barcelona depends on the player’s exit.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Match of the Day:” The fans aren’t stupid. Ruben Amorim is being truthful because they believe the players are not good enough.

“If you don’t train hard and dedicate your life, you won’t be in the team. You must appoint a player who belongs to the team, according to your manager.

Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger added: “He wants to set an example but, if he does that, they will never be friends again.

Amorim struggled to get his style of play to work as a manager of Manchester United, which led to a testing start.

Before Lisandro Martinez’ deflected goal in the closing stages gave Fulham the lead, the game looked to be heading for a drab goalless draw.

Since Amorim became manager in November, Manchester United has won just four Premier League victories.

Amorim, who turns 40 on Monday, joked:” It’s not 40… I’m 50.

“After two months at Manchester United, it’s 50. It’s a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here”.

Amorim will have appreciated the opportunity to smile because he hasn’t had many opportunities to do so so so so far at the club.

Fulham’s performance was insufficient to merit a victory, but the result was that they now have won three of their previous four games.

“Today was not the best match but we managed to win”, added Amorim.

The key is that I know what I want to do, not what. Sometimes I’m frustrated.

Manchester United are yet to make a signing with the focus on outgoings with just over a week until the transfer window closes.

Antony, a winger who left Ajax for Manchester United in August 2022 for £81.3 million, left on Saturday to join Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a move away from the club, although Amorim started the 20-year-old at Fulham.

Garnacho, like his team-mates, put in a largely flat display at Craven Cottage, but did play a part in the winner, with his cutback eventually finding its way to goalscorer Martinez.

According to reports, selling Garnacho could help Manchester United raise money to make purchases and prevent them from breaking profit and sustainability regulations.

Lecce full-back Patrick Dorg and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku have both been linked with moves, but Amorim will have to do so for the time being.

” We have to cautious, “he added.