Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly criticized Marcus Rashford following the team’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Amorim described the forward as a “game killer” and questioned his commitment to the team.
Frustration was clear in Amorim’s post-match comments: “He needs to be shouted at; I don’t always understand his style of play. He can’t even make a simple pass. He was a key factor in our mistakes during the match. That’s why fans don’t respect him and see him as irrelevant to the team.”
These remarks come after Rashford was left out of the matchday squad for the third straight game. Despite attending the game, his exclusion from the pitch has sparked intense speculation, especially after his recent comments about wanting a “new challenge” away from Manchester United.
Amorim bluntly added, “It’s time for him to leave; he doesn’t have the qualities needed to be a Manchester United player,” signaling a growing divide between Rashford and the club’s management.
Fans have also expressed their displeasure, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration. One fan posted, “He should leave; we don’t need him,” reflecting the prevailing sentiment among supporters.
This public fallout marks a significant decline in Rashford’s career at Manchester United. Once regarded as a promising young talent, his form has dipped significantly. After an impressive 2022-2023 season with 30 goals, Rashford only managed eight goals last season.
Off-field issues, including his recent breakup with girlfriend Grace Jackson and an unauthorized interview in which he hinted at a potential exit, have only worsened the situation.
The Bournemouth defeat has also highlighted United’s defensive weaknesses, with the team having conceded 17 goals from set pieces in 2024, a Premier League record.
Amorim, having recently taken over as manager, is under pressure to improve the team’s performance. His public criticism of Rashford shows a no-nonsense approach to dealing with underperformance, though such remarks could impact team morale and individual confidence.
As the January transfer window nears, speculation about Rashford’s future is intensifying. Clubs from Spain, France, and Germany are reportedly keeping an eye on him, and a loan or permanent move could be possible if the tensions between the player and the club continue.
With Manchester United sitting 13th in the Premier League and dealing with internal strife, the club must make crucial decisions both on and off the pitch. How Amorim and the club’s leadership handle the Rashford situation could set a significant precedent for future player management.