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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim would rather play 63-year-old over out-of-favour star: report

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 Ruben Amorim has plenty of pulling power at Manchester United.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. | Credit: Getty Images

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has offered a damning indictment on the future of one of the club's star players.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has been honest in his assessment of results and the squad as a whole, with certain individuals also singled out for criticism. The Portuguese boss went a step further at the weekend, however.

Speaking after Manchester United's 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday, Amorim once again addressed why Marcus Rashford failed to make the matchday squad, suggesting that he'd rather put his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach in the side ahead of players who aren't willing to give everything for the team.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim would prefer goalkeeping coach over Marcus Rashford

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Rashford is no longer part of Amorim's plans | Credit: Getty Images

"It's always the same reason - the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It's every day, every detail," Amorim reiterated. "If things don't change, I will not change. It's the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

"You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn't give the maximum every day."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Jorge Vital, goalkeeping coach of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital | Credit: Getty Images

Rashford hasn't been involved in a Manchester United matchday squad since before Christmas, with speculation rife over the 27-year-old's future. Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan have all been linked, though the latter side are now unable to sign him after instead opting for Kyle Walker as their one English signing of the year.

The January transfer window is set to close on February 3, however, meaning time is running out for a resolution over Rashford's future. Amorim clearly doesn't want him at the club anymore, but there's no guarantee a deal will be completed elsewhere.

In FourFourTwo's view, Amorim is making a risk by speaking so openly about his feelings on Rashford. Clubs will look to prise him away from Manchester United in a cut-price deal because they know he clearly isn't wanted, while others might be scared off by Amorim questioning the player's attitude.

The club's hierarchy might not enjoy the comments, either - Rashford is among the highest earners at Manchester United, so there's potential he doesn't play another minute for the rest of the season while still picking up huge wages. Supporters might enjoy the honesty, but questions might start to get asked about the approach to getting Rashford out the door.