Roy Keane gives blunt view on Rashford's Man Utd future after missing derby

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has backed Ruben Amorim's decision to drop Marcus Rashford for the Manchester derby, claiming the forward needs a "fresh start" at a new club.

Rashford, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was surprisingly omitted from the squad for the crucial clash at the Etihad, sparking immediate speculation about his future at Old Trafford.

Amorim, speaking after the game, hinted at a lack of professionalism from the duo, citing "training performance, game performances and engagement with teammates" as factors in their exclusion.

"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."

Keane, analysing the game for Sky Sports, wholeheartedly backed Amorim's decision. "I don't know about their long-term future but what's really clear is he's mentioned engaging with team-mates," Keane said.

"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."

Keane believes a fresh start could be the best move for Rashford, who has struggled for consistency in recent seasons.

"A move for Marcus [Rashford] would suit the player – a new challenge for him," he added. "He's been there a long time. When you're at a big club and your attitude is not right – and it hasn't been great recently – sometimes it's good to part ways."

Rashford's omission from the derby squad has sent shockwaves through the club, with many fans questioning his future at Old Trafford.

With the January transfer window approaching, the possibility of a move away from the club cannot be ruled out, particularly if the forward continues to struggle to impress Amorim.

This bold decision from the Portuguese manager has sent a clear message to the squad: complacency will not be tolerated. Amorim is demanding the highest standards from his players, and those who fail to meet those standards will be shown the door.

Despite missing out on the cross-city derby, Rashford did cheer his teammates on via social media. His caption, 'Yesssssssss! Love it lads,' on Instagram, garnered quick responses from fellow teammates Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.