Ruben Amorim Explains Why Manchester United Are Better Off Without Marcus Rashford & Antony

The decision to let two of Manchester United’s most talked-about forwards — Marcus Rashford and Antony — leave the club on loan has sparked much debate. Both players, who departed for Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, have performed admirably away from Old Trafford this season. However, United manager Ruben Amorim stands by the club’s bold decision, believing that the short-term pain of seeing these players leave will ultimately benefit the team in the long run.

As the Red Devils continue to grapple with their inconsistent form, Amorim is steadfast in his support of the club’s long-term vision, even if it means enduring a period of transition and rebuilding. Let’s dive into why Amorim believes Manchester United are better off without Rashford and Antony, and the thought process behind the decision that shocked many fans and pundits alike.

Rashford and Antony’s Impact Away From Manchester United

While Manchester United have certainly struggled to find their rhythm without Rashford and Antony, both players have excelled during their loan spells in Villa Park and Sevilla.

Antony: La Liga Impact

Since joining Real Betis on loan, Antony has been nothing short of sensational. The Brazilian winger has been directly involved in nine goals — a tally that includes both assists and goals — as he has helped Betis secure a position in La Liga’s Champions League qualification spots. On top of that, he’s played an instrumental role in their Conference League run, propelling the team into the semifinals.

Antony’s displays have shown the promise that many had hoped he’d bring to United, and while it’s clear he’s benefiting from more consistent game time in Betis, his impressive performances only serve to highlight how much United has missed out on in his absence.

Marcus Rashford: A New Lease of Life

On the other hand, Marcus Rashford has had a similarly revitalising experience in the Premier League with Aston Villa. The England international has scored and assisted at a remarkable rate, averaging a goal or assist every 94 minutes. His standout performance came against Manchester City, where Rashford was at the centre of a dynamic attacking display that had many fans wondering what might have been had he stayed at United.

Rashford, who once seemed on the periphery of United’s plans, appears to have found a new lease of life away from the intense spotlight of Old Trafford. His resurgence has undoubtedly made many question the wisdom of allowing such talent to leave, but for Ruben Amorim, it was a calculated move.

Ruben Amorim’s Bold Decision and His Philosophy

Ruben Amorim has endured a decidedly underwhelming run of results as Man Utd boss / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

While the loan moves of Rashford and Antony have raised eyebrows, Ruben Amorim is resolute in his belief that the decision was ultimately in the club’s best interest. The Portuguese head coach, who joined Manchester United mid-season, faced a squad in transition, one that needed to make difficult decisions to push the team forward.

Amorim has not shied away from admitting that United has been struggling in attack this season, especially after losing two key players in January. “We lack a lot of things in the team,” Amorim acknowledged recently. “We saw with Milan in the past, a lot of problems — big teams that when you get inside, it’s really hard.” This admission reflects the difficult task Amorim inherited, and the complexities of reshaping United’s squad amidst the ongoing challenges.

The Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain

Despite the immediate struggles, Ruben Amorim insists that there is more to building a successful team than merely having the best attacking players. “There are things here that are more important than scoring ten more goals this season,” he stated, adding that the focus is on laying the groundwork for sustainable success in the future.

“Sometimes, you have to make decisions that are difficult in the moment,” Ruben Amorim explained. “But I believe this will help the team in the long run. We can hurt the squad now, but it will benefit the club down the line.”

It’s a philosophy that Ruben Amorim clearly stands by — he’s not merely concerned with the immediate short-term results, but with creating a squad that will thrive in the years to come. In the world of football, especially at a club the size of Manchester United, such decisions require vision and confidence. Ruben Amorim’s willingness to make tough choices is a testament to his long-term thinking.

The Coach’s Role in the Decision

Amorim took full responsibility for the decision to let Rashford and Antony leave. “It was my idea,” he revealed, pointing out that he felt the need to provide both players with a fresh start. “I try to help the team and sometimes help the players that needed something different,” he added.

There’s no question that the relationship between Ruben Amorim and Rashford had grown strained, especially when it came to footballing philosophy. Ruben Amorim had previously admitted that he “couldn’t get Marcus [Rashford] to see the way you’re supposed to play football and train the way I see it.” This clear disconnect between coach and player made the decision to loan Rashford out to Villa an easier one for the manager.

No Regrets: Ruben Amorim on His Manchester United Tenure

It’s clear that Ruben Amorim has a strong sense of conviction in his approach, even if it means sacrificing immediate results for the greater good of the team. His focus remains firmly on the future, despite the struggles of this current campaign.

Reflecting on his decision to join United mid-season, Ruben Amorim revealed that he had initially been hesitant to take the role, preferring to stay with Sporting CP until the end of the season. However, United issued an ultimatum — join now or never — and Ruben Amorim made the difficult decision to move to Manchester at what many would consider the worst possible time.

“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,”Ruben  Amorim admitted. But as he faces the challenges head-on, Ruben Amorim believes that this will serve the team well in the years to come.

“We are suffering a lot here,” he acknowledged. “There is a lot of frustration, but I feel that maybe, because we are near the end of the season, this is the most important time. Maybe in the next few years, this moment will help us.”

The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Future

For Ruben Amorim, this season has been one of learning and adapting. The frustrations of the present are not lost on him, but he sees them as necessary steps in building a stronger, more coherent team moving forward. The short-term sacrifices made by sending Rashford and Antony out on loan are part of a bigger plan, one that will hopefully bear fruit in the coming seasons.

Looking ahead, Manchester United will need to make further adjustments to their squad if they are to return to the upper echelons of European football. Ruben Amorim’s vision for the club — one that’s focused on sustained success rather than quick fixes — will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding.

As for Rashford and Antony, their futures at Old Trafford remain uncertain. For now, Ruben Amorim remains focused on getting the best out of the players who are currently in his squad, even if it means enduring a few growing pains along the way.

In the end, Ruben Amorim‘s philosophy could very well lead Manchester United into a new era — one that’s built on stability, cohesion, and a clear footballing identity.