Amorim drops brutal bomb over Rashford and Antony transfer decision

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 27 Apr 2025 02:53 CDT
  • 3 min read
Antony, Ruben Amorim, Marcus Rashford, Man Utd, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Ruben Amorim has insisted he has no regrets over letting Marcus Rashford and Antony leave Manchester United in January despite his side’s attacking struggles this season.

Article continues under the video

Only four teams have scored fewer goals than United in the Premier League this season, with forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having struggled to find form and netting just six goals between them.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Cunha to Man Utd BOMB, Man City eye England international

Compared
Player image Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

M, AM (L), F (C)

Aston Villa logo

Aston Villa

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

M, AM (L), F (C)

Aston Villa

Aston Villa

VS

Player image Antony
Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis logo

Real Betis

Antony
Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

Real Betis

€58.6M

ETV

€22.7M

€52.8M - €64.5M ETV Range €20.4M - €24.9M
27 years old (31 Oct, 1997) Age 25 years old (24 Feb, 2000)
England England
Nationality
Brazil Brazil

Rashford, meanwhile, has nine goal contributions since joining Aston Villa on loan in January, along with Antony’s seven for Real Betis but Amorim believes he was right to sacrifice quality now for potential success in the future.

“In January we lost players - and you are talking about Rashford and Antony,” Amorim said. “We lost these players and we didn't bring new ones in. It was a risk. But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.

“We are trying to do something that is more important. We can hurt the squad now because in the future it is going to help the club. I think we are on that path.

“Like I said, in that moment, it was my idea. But I tried to help the team - and also help those players who need something different. That's all.”

READ MORE: Man Utd top scorers 2024/25

United to use Rashford and Antony form as transfer bait

Amorim’s words suggests that neither Rashford or Antony are likely to have changed his opinion on their futures despite their impressive form at their new clubs.

Instead, United will see the duo’s resurgence as a potential boost to their summer plans in the hope that their permanent departures could generate some crucial transfer revenue and add to Amorim’s budget.

Compared
Player image Antony
Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis logo

Real Betis

Antony
Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

Real Betis

VS

Player image Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

M, AM (L), F (C)

Aston Villa logo

Aston Villa

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

M, AM (L), F (C)

Aston Villa

Aston Villa

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

32 Appearances 41
1910 Minutes Played 2439
6 Goals 11
4 Assists 8
48 Key Passes 51
1012 Passes 813
66 Shots Total 72

Villa have an option to buy Rashford for £40 million (€47m) and, while the Midlands outfit have yet to decide on taking it up, they are keen to keep hold of the 27-year-old, while other clubs are believed to be interested in his signature too.

However, Betis are unlikely to have the funds to make Antony’s loan permanent and will instead strive to keep the Brazilian on loan for another season, having boasted the third-best form in La Liga since his signing.

Both players’ exits could allow United to further fund their dealings, having reportedly akready struck an agreement with Matheus Cunha over a €75m transfer, while Liam Delap remains the club’s top target to strengthen up front.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store