Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Marcus Rashford has broken down to the extent that Manchester United’s head coach speaks to the player only when addressing the squad generally.
While Rashford last played for United in mid-December and has since been selected by Amorim in only one match-day squad, when he was an unused substitute, the 27‑year‑old is training with the first team. But Amorim does not have individual discussions with him.
After the 1-0 win at Fulham on Sunday, Amorim said he would prefer to select his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, than a player who does not give his maximum. This was in response to a question about whether Rashford may have a route back into his plans.
“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 [Sunday] 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 that.”
Rashford has said previously that he wanted a “new challenge” and he and United are seeking to part ways in this window. However, the forward’s options are dwindling and it remains unclear whether he will leave his boyhood club in the remaining days of the transfer window. While a loan is most likely, Rashford accepts he may still be at United when the window closes and he has not received an offer that appeals to him.
Although Rashford is looking for an exit, another player could be on his way to United. On Tuesday night the club were reportedly closing in on a deal for the Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu. The 20-year-old Denmark international is expected to cost around €30m plus €5m of add-ons.
On Tuesday, meanwhile, Trafford council backed United’s plans to regenerate Old Trafford and its surrounding confines. The centrepiece will be a new 100,000-seat stadium.
after newsletter promotion
Liz Patel, the council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “The Trafford Wharfside masterplan offers a regeneration vision for a hugely important area within Trafford which takes in the world-famous sporting institution that is Manchester United as well as other major sites including the Imperial War Museum and the Manchester Ship Canal. We are now on the lookout for a world-class consultant team to shape the vision for the area.
“This is a hugely exciting project and working with our partners and private developers, we will be looking to create thousands of new homes, new neighbourhoods and help create a world-class setting for the Manchester United stadium. I am delighted that the Trafford Wharfside area is the focus of this important future planning project.”
Source: theguardian.com
