Ruben Amorim has taken a subtle dig at Marcus Rashford while heaped praise on Alejandro Garnacho for his attitude and improvement since being dropped for the Manchester derby in December.
Garnacho, alongside Rashford, was axed from the starting XI for United’s crucial match at the Etihad, following concerns over their attitudes in training. However, while Rashford has struggled to regain his place in the squad, Garnacho has worked his way back into Amorim’s good graces.
Garnacho’s transformation since that setback has been remarkable. The 20-year-old winger was one of the standout performers when he came on as a half-time substitute during United’s 2-0 Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest. Amorim praised Garnacho’s response, highlighting how the Argentine has adapted to the challenges placed before him, even shifting from a conventional winger role to playing as one of the two No.10s in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
“Since that game against City, Garnacho has changed in everything,” Amorim said, drawing a stark contrast between the young winger and Rashford’s ongoing struggles. “The way he understands things and realizes that I just want to help him. I want to win games, and my approach is always for him. He has adapted in every aspect: his recovery, his mindset, and his understanding of what I expect from him on the pitch.”
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While Garnacho’s transformation has caught the eye of clubs across Europe, with Napoli and Chelsea reportedly showing interest in the youngster, Amorim has made it clear he wants to keep the talented forward. Garnacho’s homegrown status could also bring United maximum profit under Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, making it a tricky decision for the club, but Amorim’s stance is firm: the 20-year-old is part of his long-term plans at the club.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s future at Manchester United looks increasingly uncertain, with Amorim commenting that the England international still has work to do if he wants to revive his career under the current manager. The 12 games since his omission from the starting lineup have highlighted Rashford’s ongoing struggles to meet Amorim’s demanding standards. In contrast, Garnacho’s ability to take on board constructive criticism and bounce back stronger has been key to his resurgence.
Amorim also expressed his desire to keep another promising academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo, who has become a target for several clubs due to his homegrown status and contract situation. “I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent from the academy. “We have to focus on developing these players, not only to play for the first team but also to sell them in the future. This is something that all clubs in England need to take advantage of: their academy players.”
With Rashford’s future at Old Trafford looking increasingly bleak, Amorim’s message to both Garnacho and Mainoo is clear: work hard, improve, and continue to be an integral part of United’s future. As he continues to refine his squad and push for success, Amorim is keen to nurture the talents that can take the club forward, all while preparing for the next challenge ahead.
