'Ruben Amorim risks SACK over Rashford treatment'

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 5 Feb 2025 05:53 CST
3 min read

Ruben Amorim, Marcus Rashford, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Marcus Rashford could help get Ruben Amorim sacked if the England attacker shines at Aston Villa.

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That is the view of former Aston Villa and Arsenal star Paul Merson, who believes that a positive loan spell for Rashford will reflect very badly on Amorim.

Rashford completed a late loan move to Aston Villa at the end of the January transfer window, with the option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The transfer came about after Amorim made the decision to exile Rashford following comments made by the attacker before Christmas in which he expressed his desire for a “new challenge” away from United.

With Amorim already under huge pressure following a dismal start to his career at Old Trafford, Merson believes that Rashford could deliver the final blow to the Portuguese manager.

What did Merson say?

“What he has done with the Rashford situation is mind-blowing. I think his job is on the line with this now. I really do,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“If Rashford goes to Villa and gets 10 in 10 and Man United continue playing the way they are playing, if you are on the board you would seriously be asking questions of what are you doing.

“It makes sense [for Rashford to join Aston Villa on loan]. He has an unbelievable opportunity. He is going to one of the top teams in the Premier League. Great team, great club.

“The one thing we are all missing here is that he has to take his head with him. It’s a huge gamble.”

© IMAGO - Ruben Amorim has had a tough start at Man Utd

Amorim was appointed as Man Utd manager just three months ago, on November 1, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

The now 40-year-old arrived with high hopes after a brilliant spell at Sporting Lisbon, where he won two Primeira Liga titles and developed a host of talented players such as Viktor Gyokeres.

However, Amorim’s first few months at Old Trafford have been largely disastrous.

United have won seven, drawn three and lost eight of Amorim’s opening 18 games on the bench.

This represents the worst start by a Man Utd manager statistically in 94 years.

United find themselves in 13th position in the Premier League with no hope of qualifying for the Champions League and slim chances of making it into Europe.