Amorim given backing from club owners over 'handling' of Rashford

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has the backing of the owners after dropping Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

The pair now have an uncertain future at the club after they were not included in the United squad to face Manchester City yesterday.

Crucially, sources have revealed that INEOS, the club's new owners, fully support Amorim's decision.

"I am told the club has no issues with Amorim's handling of the situation," journalist Graeme Bailey explained.

"He has made it clear to both that he hasn't liked the attitude that either has shown and he has chosen this moment to make it clear to the squad as a whole what he expects."

The decision to leave both star attackers out of the squad for the crucial clash at the Etihad stunned fans and pundits alike.

Amorim later revealed that the decision was based on "training performance, game performances and engagement with teammates," hinting at a lack of professionalism from the duo.

"There are some things that have to change," Amorim stated. "But it is a new life, it's not a disciplinary thing. If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem, but it wasn't that.

"I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long we tried, for example, with Rash. It does not work. Let's continue to do the same thing or try something different?

"So it's as simple as that. We have to improve our standards outside the pitch. If they train well and they are better than the other guys inside and outside the pitch, they will play or be on the bench."

United legend Gary Neville backed Amorim's decision, stating: "He's mentioned engaging with team-mates. He's mentioned standards. So, he's given us clues as to what's happened over the last few days that they've been moping.

"Not doing their bit around the training ground, engaging with their teammates properly, standards in training. And he's gone 'no, I'm not having it, I'm not accepting it.'

"And good on him because for far too long we've seen players mope around that pitch and still continue to get a game. 'Oh he's on the bench' No. It's got to be non-negotiable. If you don't give your all in your job, you're gone."

However, the drama didn't end there. Reports suggest that United are open to offers for Rashford in the January transfer window, with the club looking to recoup some of the significant investment made in the forward.

The club are also facing a separate headache – the leaking of their team news. The Manchester Evening News accurately predicted the starting XI before the game, raising concerns about a potential mole within the club.

"The one thing that United and Amorim are furious about is the leaking of the team…which the MEN predicted," revealed journalist Graeme Bailey.

Despite the off-field drama, Amad Diallo shone on the pitch, scoring twice to secure a stunning 2-1 victory over City.

The result will give United a much-needed boost of confidence, but the futures of Rashford and Garnacho remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, United are exploring potential replacements for the duo, with Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic emerging as targets.

The club is also reportedly closing in on a deal for Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg, with a £25 million bid believed to be enough to secure the talented youngster.

This has been a turbulent week for Manchester United, but Amorim's bold decision and the unexpected victory over City have sent a clear message to the squad: complacency will not be tolerated.