The absence of two key players raised eyebrows ahead of the game, but Amorim’s strategic gamble paid off in dramatic fashion.
United came from behind to secure a memorable win, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo overturning City’s lead, initially established by Josko Gvardiol.
The decision to leave Rashford and Garnacho out of the squad dominated pre-match discussions. In his post-match press conference, Amorim sought to clarify his reasoning, addressing widespread speculation.
The Portuguese manager dismissed rumors of disciplinary issues, instead pointing to a broader evaluation of player performance, professionalism, and attitude as the driving factors. “It’s important to clarify: it was not a disciplinary matter,” Amorim stated. “Next week, next game, new life—they are fighting for their places.”
Amorim’s comments underscored his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability within the squad. He elaborated on the criteria used to evaluate players, extending beyond their on-pitch contributions.
“For me, it’s about everything: performance in training, performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, how you engage with teammates, how you push your teammates—all of it matters,” Amorim emphasized.
By setting such high standards, the manager aims to cultivate a united and disciplined team ethos as United navigates a critical rebuilding phase.
The omission of Rashford and Garnacho also highlights Amorim’s readiness to make tough decisions, even if they involve high-profile players.
While the manager insisted the exclusions were not personal, he hinted that Rashford’s visible frustration during his early substitution in United’s recent Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen may have influenced his assessment.
This incident, coupled with Amorim’s focus on unity and professionalism, serves as a reminder that no player is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
Despite the absence of two influential players, Manchester United delivered an inspired performance against their city rivals.
Amad Diallo, given an opportunity to shine, proved instrumental in the comeback. The young winger’s energy and determination epitomized the qualities Amorim expects from his squad.
Diallo’s decisive contributions included winning the penalty that allowed Fernandes to equalize and scoring the winning goal himself, showcasing his potential to thrive under Amorim’s demanding leadership.
For Rashford and Garnacho, the message is unmistakable: they must rise to the challenge and prove their worth to regain their places in the team.
Amorim’s philosophy revolves around competition, accountability, and professionalism, ensuring no player rests on past achievements.
“When people in the club are losing their jobs, we have to set incredibly high standards,” the manager stressed. “Everyone has to fight for a place in the team. Today, the squad proved that we can leave anyone out and still win if we play together.”
Amorim’s assertive stance signals a new era at Manchester United, one that prioritizes team cohesion and commitment over individual star power. Rashford and Garnacho now face a critical period in their careers, where they must demonstrate the dedication and discipline Amorim demands.
As the manager noted, “Next week, next game, new life,” indicating that opportunities remain for those willing to meet his exacting standards.
Ultimately, Amorim’s decision to exclude Rashford and Garnacho, coupled with United’s triumphant performance, sends a powerful message to the squad and fans alike.
Success under the new manager will require every player to embrace his vision of accountability and unity, ensuring the team is greater than the sum of its parts. With Amorim at the helm, Manchester United’s rebuilding journey promises to be as challenging as it is transformative.
