Rúben Amorim, Manchester United's coach, previewed the match against Leicester in the FA Cup Round of 32, which is scheduled for 8:00 PM this Friday.
The loan move of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits, as the decision to let go of one of Manchester United’s most high-profile players on a temporary deal was unexpected.
Manager Rúben Amorim provided insight into his reasoning, explaining that he was unable to align Rashford’s perspective on football with his own. The Portuguese coach, known for his structured and disciplined tactical approach, acknowledged that differences in footballing philosophy sometimes prevent a player from fully integrating into a manager’s vision.
"I couldn't get Marcus to see the way football should be played and trained as I see it. Sometimes, a player is very good under one coach, and the same player can be different under another. I only wish the best for Rashford and for Unai Emery, and I hope they understand each other because he is a very, very good player," Amorim stated. His comments suggest that Rashford, despite his undeniable talent, was unable to fully adapt to the tactical demands Amorim expects from his squad. The manager has consistently emphasized the importance of high-intensity pressing, positional discipline, and collective responsibility on and off the ball principles that may not have entirely suited Rashford’s more instinctive and free-flowing style of play.
The decision to loan out Rashford has raised questions about whether other players might also struggle to adapt to Amorim’s methods. When asked what he would do if multiple players disagreed with his footballing philosophy, the manager remained firm in his stance. "Let’s focus on the case at hand. The reality is that some players don’t adapt to my way of seeing football. Others do, and we are trying to build the team." His words indicate that while certain individuals may not fit into his system, his primary concern is shaping the squad around players who fully embrace his vision. Rather than compromising his approach to accommodate certain stars, Amorim appears committed to instilling a cohesive tactical identity at Manchester United.
A key aspect of the situation is whether Rashford explicitly expressed disagreement with Amorim’s style. The manager clarified that it was not a direct confrontation but rather a natural divergence that both parties sensed. "That’s not how it happens. It’s something you feel as a coach and as a player. That’s why it’s perfectly normal. It happens with many coaches, and the important thing is that I’m here saying the decision was mine. Just like with Ty and Antony, it was my decision to approve these loans and to keep some players, even without transfers. So I’m here making it clear that this was my decision." This statement underscores that Amorim is taking full responsibility for the roster decisions, reinforcing the notion that he is building a squad based on his strategic principles rather than individual reputations.
Manchester United’s recent struggles have placed Amorim under significant pressure, and he acknowledged the difficulty of the current phase. "It’s very difficult, especially the way we are losing at times. I understand that we have had many games without time to train, but even in that context, I feel we should be doing better. As a coach, you want to win games, and when you’re a coach who constantly feels that drive to win and has to deal with all of this when facing problems… of course, there are tough moments, it’s hard to sleep and everything else. One good thing I’ve learned from this moment is that, whether in good times or bad times, my idea is so clear that I make the same decisions without any other concerns. I just want to help the team win, and I know we can turn things around. I know we have to survive this moment because, in football, when you don’t win, problems arise." These comments reflect the high expectations Amorim has set for himself and his team, as well as the mental and emotional toll that comes with leading a club of Manchester United’s stature. Despite the setbacks, his conviction in his methodology remains unshaken.
When asked if he has ever doubted his ideas, Amorim admitted that self-questioning is a natural part of coaching but emphasized that it has never altered his long-term approach. "Even when you are winning, you always doubt yourself. That’s a good thing. I’m always questioning everything, even when I was winning every game in Portugal. So, it’s the same situation. The challenge is losing, failing. You could say failing failing with my players, not helping them. Seeing them suffer all the time, especially at home. So, for me, it’s very clear what we need to do, what kind of profiles we need, whether it’s a left foot or a right foot in this position, what characteristics are required. That is so clear to me that I will continue doing the same until the very last day. I will keep handling this job the same way." His response highlights the delicate balance between staying true to his tactical beliefs and continuously seeking ways to improve his team.
The decision to loan Rashford marks a significant moment in Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, signaling that no player regardless of their status or past contributions is exempt from the demands of his system. While some may view this move as a risk, it also demonstrates the manager’s willingness to make bold choices to shape the squad in his image. Whether this approach will ultimately lead United back to success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Amorim is not afraid to make difficult decisions in pursuit of his vision.
