Rashford’s Exit Due to Tactical Disagreement, Says Amorim

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa stemmed from a disagreement over footballing philosophy. Amorim admitted that he and Rashford did not see eye-to-eye on how the game should be played, ultimately leading to the 27-year-old’s departure.

“I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim explained. “Sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different. I wish the best to Rashford and to [Villa manager] Unai Emery, and they can connect because he’s a very good player.”

Rashford’s exit ends his long association with Manchester United, the club he joined as a youth player. He had expressed his desire for a “new challenge” in December after being left out of the squad for several matches.

Amorim also defended his decision not to sign any attacking players in the January transfer window, despite allowing Rashford and Antony to leave on loan. He admitted that the club is taking a risk, but emphasized the need for a change in playing style and a more cautious approach to transfers.

“We are taking a risk but we want a different thing in the team, different profiles,” Amorim said. “It was my decision to do that. What I feel is that the club is taking its time. We know the urgency of the moment of the team (but) everybody here does not want to make the same mistakes of the past.”

Despite United’s struggles this season, Amorim remains confident in his vision for the team. He believes that his tactical approach will eventually pay off, even if it requires some short-term sacrifices.

“I know when I came here I look at the schedule, I look at the team, my decision changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings is a danger for a coach, but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks because in the end it’s going to pay off.”

United will now focus on their upcoming FA Cup tie against Leicester City, where new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven could make their debuts. They are also through to the last 16 of the Europa League, but face a battle to climb the Premier League table, where they currently sit in 13th place.

Amorim’s long-term future at Old Trafford may depend on his ability to turn United’s fortunes around and deliver results in the coming months. His decision to reshape the squad and implement a new playing style is a bold one, and only time will tell if it will pay off.