Rúben Amorim Reveals Why Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho was Left Out of Manchester United Squad for the Manchester City match

This match marks an important moment for Rúben Amorim, who is still shaping his team’s identity after taking charge. Following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League—powered by Rasmus Højlund’s brace—United will now attempt to carry that momentum into domestic competition.

Manchester City, on the other hand, are in a rough patch, winning only one of their last ten matches in all competitions. Earlier this season, Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon handed Pep Guardiola’s side a heavy 4-1 defeat, a result that still lingers in discussions about City’s struggles.

Despite their struggles, City remains a dangerous opponent, and United—currently sitting in 13th place—will need a strong performance to climb the table and close the gap to their rivals.

The decision to leave Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad has raised eyebrows. Club sources confirmed that neither player is injured, and both participated in training at Carrington earlier in the day. Instead, the omissions are attributed to their recent form.

Rashford, a player often seen as a key figure for United, has faced criticism for inconsistent performances this season. While he has scored three goals under Amorim in six games, speculation about his off-field lifestyle and its impact on his form has been circulating. Reports suggest that the club considered selling Rashford over the summer and may still entertain offers, particularly to address financial concerns.

For Garnacho, recent displays have also been underwhelming, leading Amorim to take a hard stance by excluding him from such a vital match.

The decision to leave Rashford out comes as rumors of a potential transfer swirl. While some reports claim that United would be open to a £40 million offer for the forward, it’s unlikely any move would occur in the January transfer window.

Amorim’s call sends a clear message that performances on the pitch, not reputations, will dictate team selection. Whether Rashford and Garnacho can bounce back and regain their places in the squad remains to be seen.

Manchester United will now head to the Etihad without two of their key attacking options, adding to the challenge of facing a struggling but still dangerous Manchester City side. With City’s title hopes hanging by a thread and United looking to climb the table, this derby promises to be a decisive clash for both teams.