“We are fighting for our jobs” was Ruben Amorim’s warning in January, when he turned his back on the Marcus Rashford matter.
After seven defeats at Old Trafford, United dropped to 13th place in the Premier League, and Rashford went on loan to Aston Villa until the season ended.
The arrangement was brought up at Amorim’s Thursday afternoon press conference, which was held in the lead-up to Old Trafford’s fourth-round FA Cup match against Leicester on Friday night.
“I could not make Marcus play and train the way I wanted him to,” Amorim said of Rashford. Head coach Jose Mourinho said to Rashford, “Like me, you know it’s not the way,” when asked if he disagreed with his strategy on the field.
Both the coach and the player can feel it. Very typical. Quite a few coaches thought of it.
“The important thing is that I’m here saying that was my decision, like Ty (Malacia) and Antony was my decision to do these loans, and to keep some players even without any transfers.”
With the exception of teen defenders Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu, United only signed Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia on loan.
After coming close to signing Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel, the team ultimately decided to loan the 19-year-old out to Tottenham till the season ended.
After looking out the window, Amorim said that United are sacrificing short-term success for greater long-term gain.
Man Utd’s upcoming fixtures
- February 7:Â Leicester (H), FA Cup fourth round, kick-off 8pm
- February 16: Tottenham Hotspur (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
- February 22:Â Everton (A), Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm
- February 26:Â Ipswich (H), Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
- March 9: Arsenal (H), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
- March 16: Leicester (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm
