Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made headlines with his surprising decision to exclude Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad for their crucial match against Manchester City.
The club has offered no formal explanation for the duo’s absence, merely confirming that neither player has been selected for the bench.
Reports indicate that both Rashford and Garnacho took part in training on Sunday morning, ruling out injuries as a possible reason for their omission.
This points to Amorim’s choice being a tactical one. Addressing the situation, Amorim downplayed any controversy and emphasized the routine nature of his decision. “We evaluate everything, including training, performance, and engagement with teammates,” he explained. “It’s just a simple selection decision.”
The exclusion of Rashford is particularly noteworthy given the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. In recent weeks, reports have surfaced suggesting that Manchester United could be open to selling the England international during the January transfer window.
Some valuations have even put Rashford’s price tag at a modest £40 million, a figure that has fueled speculation about his departure. Despite his talent and contributions to the team over the years, Rashford’s performances this season have faced scrutiny, further complicating his situation at the club.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s absence comes amid rumors of a dressing room leak, which has drawn unwanted attention to the Argentine winger. There have been allegations that team news was leaked prior to kick-off, with Garnacho’s brother reportedly being implicated.
However, his brother has denied any involvement. Before the Manchester City match, the entire starting lineup surfaced on social media, raising questions about whether the leak was deliberate or coincidental.
While it remains unclear who is responsible, Garnacho’s alleged connection to the situation may have played a role in Amorim’s decision to drop him from the squad.
Amorim’s move to leave out two high-profile players has sparked debate and raised concerns among Manchester United fans. With Rashford and Garnacho both viewed as key contributors to the team, their absence for such an important fixture has put added pressure on Amorim and his tactical approach.
It also leaves supporters questioning whether the decision could disrupt the squad’s chances against their city rivals.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how Manchester United perform without two of their attacking stars. Whether Amorim’s gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the manager’s decision has cast a shadow of uncertainty over both Rashford’s future and Garnacho’s role in the squad.
