Graham Ruthven: It’s now or never for Marcus Rashford to save his Man Utd career after derby snub

THE scenes of celebration in the Manchester United end at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday were something to behold. By scoring two late goals to beat Manchester City in the derby, Ruben Amorim’s team put down a marker as they embark on a new era under a new manager. Not that Marcus Rashford was part of it.

Rashford was omitted from Amorim’s matchday squad for the derby. “It is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your teammates,” said the United manager when addressing Rashford’s absence.

Alejandro Garnacho was also omitted for the same reason, but Rashford’s derby snub felt particularly pointed. This isn’t the first time the 27-year-old has been sidelined by a manager looking to make a point. With Amorim now at the helm, it’s now or never for Rashford to save his Manchester United career.

🚨👀 Rúben Amorim on Garnacho and Rashford: “When people at the club are losing jobs… we have to put standards really high”.“The way you train is really important”. pic.twitter.com/IC0Linnb5z

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2024

Tactically, there are questions over Rashford’s place in Amorim’s team. The Portuguese coach favours a back three with wing backs and so it’s not clear where the 27-year-old fits in. Rashford started Amorim’s first game as a centre forward, but struggled. He has also featured either side of the number nine, but Amorim’s system doesn’t afford him much width in this position.

While the likes of Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee have improved under new management, Rashford has failed to make much of an impact despite scoring in matches against Ipswich Town and Everton. He is being left behind as Manchester United start to become something else.

Amorim’s decision to leave Rashford out of his squad for the derby was about more than just tactics, though. The former Sporting CP boss is well aware of the need to overhaul the culture at Old Trafford and has clearly identified Rashford as someone he can use to kick start a much-needed reboot.

Recent reports claim Manchester United are open to offers for Rashford in the January transfer window. Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) mean the club will likely have to sell before they can buy and Rashford is an asset they could feasibly offload to help them strengthen other areas of the squad.

It’s not clear who would be interested in Rashford. Arsenal have been linked with the England international in the past, but might prefer to spend money on an elite level centre forward. Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be long-time admirers of Rashford. He could fill the spot previously occupied by Kylian Mbappe at the Parc des Princes.

One way or another, Rashford is at a crossroads. He can either be part of the change at Manchester United and become the homegrown icon he was meant to be or he can seek a fresh start elsewhere and get his career back on track away from Old Trafford. Amorim clearly won’t tolerate anything less than full commitment from his players.

These are still early days for the new Manchester United manager. While Sunday’s derby victory over City was a statement result, the Red Devils have also suffered damaging defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Amorim has had a front row seat to the gross inconsistency that ultimately cost Erik ten Hag his job.

At a time when Manchester United lacks genuine attacking quality, it’s damning for Rashford that he has been sidelined by Amorim. However, there is a revolution taking place at Old Trafford and Rashford finds himself on the outside looking in. He might not get another opportunity to prove he deserves a place in United’s future.

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