Aston Villa favourite questions 'mind-blowing' Marcus Rashford transfer
Paul Merson believes Ruben Amorim could pay with his job if Marcus Rashford’s move from Manchester United to Aston Villa goes well.
Amorim has steadfastly refused to pick Rashford over the last couple of months, creating a situation where the 27-year-old became available for transfer last month.
Villa swooped in, as they looked for a replacement for Jhon Duran, and the forward could make his debut in the FA Cup against Tottenham on Sunday.
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Meanwhile Amorim must steer United through the choppy waters of their worst ever Premier League campaign – with his stance over Rashford under the microscope.
"Ruben Amorim is running out of ideas at the moment," Merson told Sky Sports News. "He's struggling badly.
"What he's done with the Rashford situation is mind-blowing. His job is on the line at this rate. If Rashford gets ten goals in ten games – and Manchester United carry on the way they're playing – then the board will be asking the question: 'What are you doing?'
"He might be one of them where the Villa fans and the manager open their arms to him and he will go: 'I'm going to show that Amorim. You bad mouthed me, embarrassed me by saying I wouldn't get in over a 63-year-old goalkeeper coach.'
"I think he can come back. It could end very badly for Amorim - he would be under severe pressure if they keep playing badly and Rashford starts ripping it up at Villa. He won't be the Manchester United manager for long."
Merson admits Rashford’s success is not guaranteed, however. He added: "He's going to one of the top teams in the Premier League. Great club, great support.
"The one trick we're all missing here is he has to take his head with him. Nothing changes. It's a big gamble, a huge gamble for Amorim as well.
"But if he goes to Villa, one of the players are going to miss out – a Jacob Ramsey or so. Maybe they're alright now as Watkins is injured.
"But if this doesn't work, it's wow - £300,000 a week. I just worry that it's been a long time for him, you can't just turn it on like a tap. There have been problems.
"I hope he gets it sorted for Villa and the lad's sake – because his career will finish quickly if it doesn't. He's been given an unbelievable opportunity at a great club and he has to take it. It's not the case of turn up, different shirt, it will be alright. I don't know about it, I hope they do get it right."
