Amorim's 'risk' over Rashford which he says will help Man Utd in the future

Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his decision not to replace Marcus Rashford and Antony after their loan departures in January.

He is confident that his long-term vision will yield dividends despite short-term struggles.

With United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, Amorim’s strategy of relying on existing players has drawn scrutiny, but the Portuguese manager insists the club’s future outweighs immediate results.

Amorim deemed Rashford and Antony ill-suited to his 3-4-2-1 system and lacking buy-in to his philosophy, prompting their loans to Aston Villa and Real Betis in January 2025.

Opting against winter signings, he trusted his squad to adapt, a gamble compounded by Joshua Zirkzee’s season-ending hamstring injury. United’s meager 38 goals in 33 matches signal a potential record-low finish, worse than their 1973-74 relegation season.

Yet, Amorim remains resolute. “In January we lost players and didn’t bring in new ones,” he said.

“That was a risk. But there are things here that are more important than scoring 10 more goals this season. We are trying to do something that is more important. We can hurt the squad now but in the future it will help the club.”

Appointed in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, Amorim initially sought to join at season’s end but accepted United’s “now or never” ultimatum from CEO Omar Berrada.

Reflecting on this, he admitted occasional doubts. “If you ask me four months ago, with all the problems, maybe I have the feeling I should be stronger in saying I will start at the beginning of the season,” he said.

“But today, I am feeling it is something that is going to help us in the future.” Despite the “frustration” of United’s struggles, Amorim sees the current pain as vital for growth. “We are suffering a lot here… but I feel, in this moment, maybe because we are near the end, this is the most important time, maybe, in the next few years.”

As United prepare to face Bournemouth, Amorim is focused on using this season’s lessons to build a stronger future. With a Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao offering hope, he believes enduring short-term setbacks will pave the way for long-term success, shaping United’s next chapter.