Why Amorim’s response to Marcus Rashford was PERFECT for Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 18 Dec 2024 17:37 GMT
• 6 min read

Ruben Amorim’s response to the Marcus Rashford crisis underlined the fact that he is the perfect figurehead for Manchester United.

Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford has unquestionably been a success thus far on the field. Performances may have been scrappy at times, yet four wins from seven matches is a decent return when it is considered that Erik ten Hag only won that number in 14 before he was jettisoned in late October.

Rashford, however, brought the first real challenge of the Portuguese’s time at Old Trafford.

Having been left out of the squad for the 2-1 victory over Manchester City, questions over the future of the forward at the club spiralled.

Rashford responded via an interview with Henry Winter on X, during which he indicated that he needed a “new challenge”.

The implication was clear: he wants out of Man Utd.

Ruben Amorim: A clever politician

Amorim did not take the bait. Asked about the situation of the 27-year-old on Wednesday prior to the EFL Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, he gave a firm answer.

“I think he's right, we have here a new challenge. It's a tough one. For me it's the biggest challenge in football,” Amorim said.

“This kind of club needs big talent and he is a big talent. He just needs to perform at the highest level.”

It was about as smart a response as he could have provided: Amorim has made it clear that Rashford is welcome at the club - if he raises his standards. If he does not, it will be the forward who has forced his way out.

Playing all the right cards

Amorim has constantly impressed in his media role since arriving at United. He has shown that he will not be bullied by journalists and remains in control at all times.

This stands in contrast to the spikey Ten Hag, who always appeared on the defensive and whose disciplinarian manner did not go down well with the players.

Indeed, he had a clash similar to the one Amorim has had with Rashford early in his Old Trafford career, tussling instead with Cristiano Ronaldo. He might have come out on top, but the way he won that battle cost him respect.

Like Amorim, Ten Hag was right in what he did, but unlike the Portuguese, he was wrong with the manner in which he approached the problem.

The importance of all this should not be underestimated. What Amorim says to the press impacts how players are perceived by fans, and his refusal to rebuke Rashford for his comments mean than the winger’s self-respect through this difficult period is not harmed.

Whether or not it brings the type of form from Rashford that allows him to win a spot back at Man Utd doesn’t matter. What matters is the perception that he’s at least got a chance, and that his future is in the hands of the player and not a disciplinarian manager.

Amorim will take months to mould United into the team that he wants, but politically at least, he’s made a strong start in his new job.