Prominent figure at Manchester United since his youth, Marcus Rashford has recently found himself at the center of a storm following his exclusion from the squad for the highly anticipated Manchester derby against Manchester City.
This decision, made by the club's new manager Ruben Amorim, has not only sparked intense speculation about Rashford's future at Old Trafford but also prompted the player to break his silence on the matter.
Rashford, who has been with Manchester United since he was seven years old, expressed his disappointment over being left out of such a crucial match. "It's disheartening to be left out of a Derby," Rashford admitted in an interview.
Despite the setback, he maintained a resilient attitude, stating, "It’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on. It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available."
The decision to omit Rashford, along with fellow teammate Alejandro Garnacho, was explained by Amorim as a result of evaluating various factors such as training performance, game performance, and engagement with teammates.
Amorim emphasized that it was not a disciplinary action but rather a selection based on overall evaluation. "Selection," Amorim said. "We try to evaluate everything: training, performance, game performance, engagement with the team-mates, pushing the team-mates up. Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players, so that is my selection. Simple. I don’t want to send a message. It’s simply an evaluation, and they know it."
Despite this explanation, the omission has fueled rumors about Rashford's potential departure from the club. The forward himself hinted at a possible exit, expressing his readiness for a new challenge.
"For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person," Rashford stated, leaving the door open for a move in the upcoming January transfer window.
Rashford's recent form has been a topic of discussion, with some critics pointing to his inability to surpass 20 goals in a single Premier League season as a significant factor in his current situation. His dip in form has not only affected his standing at Manchester United but also led to his exclusion from the England national team. However, Rashford remains optimistic about his future, asserting that his best years are still ahead.
"I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years. I won’t have any regrets going forward because I take things day by day and sometimes bad things happen, sometimes good things happen. I just try and keep a fine balance," he confidently stated.
The speculation surrounding Rashford's future has intensified under Amorim's management, with some suggesting that the player's style may not align with the Portuguese coach's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite these challenges, Rashford is determined to prove himself and earn his place back in the starting lineup.
He has also sent a pointed message to Amorim and potential suitors about his preferred position on the field. "I prefer the left, I feel like on the left it's easier to stay in the game," Rashford explained, highlighting his comfort on the left flank compared to playing as a center-forward.
As the January transfer window approaches, Rashford's future remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Manchester United may be open to offers for the forward, with clubs like Bayern Munich reportedly interested in acquiring his services. Rashford, who signed a long-term contract with United in the summer of 2023 after an impressive 30-goal season, now faces a pivotal moment in his career.
In the meantime, Rashford continues to train with the team, maintaining professionalism despite the ongoing rumors. Amorim communicated the decision to drop Rashford and Garnacho via WhatsApp, ensuring transparency in his selection process. "It’s the same all the time. There’s a communication after the last training which goes to the WhatsApp. They receive the information," Amorim said. "But they are alright. They had training this morning. I was there. Everything was OK. They trained really well."
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