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The Omitted Ones: Rashford and Garnacho Left Out of Manchester Derby

As Manchester United celebrated their recent victory, Marcus Rashford took to social media to share his excitement, posting, “Yesssssssss! Love it lads,” accompanied by heart emojis. In contrast, Alejandro Garnacho refrained from commenting on the match.

Both players had participated in a training session at Carrington on Sunday morning, yet neither was included in the squad for the high-stakes match against Manchester City. The aftermath raised numerous speculations around Manchester, focusing on the reasons behind their exclusions from the game.

In an interview, head coach Ruben Amorim emphasized that the decision to omit Rashford and Garnacho was not a matter of disciplinary action. However, his comments suggested that there might be underlying issues regarding discipline and team standards.

Amorim highlighted the serious context within the club, mentioning recent job redundancies among staff as a reminder that the expectations for players must be high, especially in trying times. “Next week, next game, new life,” he reiterated, signaling a fresh start for the team.

“For me, it’s crucial to focus on training performance, in-game execution, personal conduct—including how players dress, eat, interact with teammates, and support one another,” Amorim explained. He stressed that these elements are all part of setting and maintaining high standards within the club.

Amorim also pointed to Jonny Evans’ example, underlining that as the squad becomes fitter, not every player can find a spot in the lineup. Evans, now 36, is enjoying a revival in his career at the club’s foundation, yet the circumstances for Rashford and Garnacho are quite different.

Rashford ranks among United’s top earners while Garnacho is seen as one of their promising young talents. Both players primarily excel in wide attacking roles, which appear less integral in Amorim’s revamped tactical setup. This adaptation challenge contrasts sharply with Amad, who has reportedly embraced his new role successfully.

Former United captain Roy Keane commented on the situation, remarking that Amorim’s actions indicate a clear message: “He’s obviously seen things he doesn’t like,” adding that it was not surprising considering both players’ recent performances. “He is putting a marker down. Let’s see how they react to it,” he said, noting that discussions regarding player attitudes have persisted for years.

For Rashford, this is not the first instance of disciplinary action affecting his playing time. Previously, he faced consequences from former manager Erik Ten Hag for arriving late to a team meeting and again for being tardy after an extended trip to Belfast. At 27, he is expected to be in his prime, yet there is a growing sense that he is not fulfilling his potential—a challenge that Amorim seems prepared to tackle directly.

Source
www.bbc.com