Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has spoken out after he was dropped for his side’s incredible comeback victory over local rivals Manchester City.
Despite an early goal from Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol being canceled out by quick goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo towards the end of the match, Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory.
However, the drama began before the game even started, as United players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were both left out of the matchday squad.
Shortly after the final whistle, Rashford addressed his exclusion by posting a photo on Instagram of himself watching the match at home, accompanied by the caption: “Yesssssssss! Love it lads.”
Rashford was expected to be part of the squad, having scored three goals in four Premier League games under new manager Ruben Amorim. Despite being available, Amorim chose not to include him in either the starting lineup or the bench.
Explaining his decision, Amorim told Sky Sports: “We evaluate everything—training performance, game performances, engagement with teammates, and how they lift each other up. It’s all part of the selection process. It’s my decision. Simple. I don’t want to send any message, it’s just about evaluation, and the players understand that. They are really smart. Everyone understands my choice, and I have to make it. It’s a straightforward selection.”
He continued, “The situation is tough because we need to win, and we’re in a challenging spot right now. I pay attention to everything—the way you eat, the way you dress for a game—everything. I make my evaluation and then I make my decision.”
He added, “After the last training session, there was communication. They’re fine. They had training this morning, and I was there. They trained really well.”
Instead of Rashford and Garnacho, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo started as United’s wingers. While Mount had to leave the pitch early, Diallo was the standout performer, winning the penalty that equalized the match and scoring the decisive goal shortly after.
