Marcus Rashford was today left out of the Manchester United squad for their vital Europa League clash with Steaua Bucharest.
The 27-year-old has not played for United since the 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen on December 12 and was publicly criticised by head coach Ruben Amorim after Sunday’s victory at Fulham.
Amorim was asked why Rashford was not involved at Craven Cottage and replied: “It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”
Hi, Josh 👋
United’s 21-man travelling squad for our Romania trip has been confirmed… ✈️🇷🇴#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2025
Amorim said the situation would remain the same if Rashford’s attitude did not improve and claimed he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench than the England international.
“It’s the same situation for every player,” Amorim said. “If you do the maximum, if you do the right things…we can use every player. You can see it today on the bench – we miss a little bit of pace to go, to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer [it] like that.
“I will put Vital [on the bench] before I put a player that doesn’t give the maximum every day so I will not change in that.”
No way out for Rashford
Rashford had been hoping to leave Old Trafford in this transfer window but, with just over five days remaining, that is now looking a remote possibility.
Victor Lindelof was named in the party to travel to Romania and could make his first appearance of 2025.
A United win would guarantee them an automatic place in the round of 16 but a draw or defeat, coupled with results elsewhere, could see them slip into the playoffs.
The United squad to face Steaua is: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.
