Ruben Amorim has explained that his decision to omit Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad for Sunday’s Manchester derby was simply a matter of selection.
Rashford, the 27-year-old Manchester United forward, was the most notable exclusion when Amorim announced his matchday squad.
Despite struggling for form over the past 18 months, Rashford had scored three goals under Amorim’s early tenure.
Both players trained at the club’s Carrington base in the morning ahead of the match, and Amorim confirmed that neither was injured.
“We evaluate everything: training performance, game performances, their engagement with teammates, and how they push each other,” Amorim explained. “It’s all considered when I make my selections. It’s my choice, and it’s simple.” Amorim explained.
He added, “I don’t want to send any particular message. It’s just an evaluation, and the players understand that. They are really smart, and everyone knows my decision. Ultimately, it’s just a selection choice.”
Rashford’s absence comes amid speculation that Manchester United may be looking to sell him to raise transfer funds.
