Ruben Amorim Discusses Marcus Rashford’s Readiness, Team Talent, and Upcoming Tottenham Match

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim addressed the media ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. Below are the main points from his press conference. Amorim stated he had not yet had the opportunity to discuss Marcus Rashford’s recent comments with the player, as the squad had been given Tuesday off. Amorim expressed no apprehension regarding the potential impact of the situation on the broader squad, remarking, “They are more simple than that. Everyone focuses on their job. I was a player and we are a little bit selfish, so [I think] they will be focused on their job to win a place in this team. So I don’t think it will even impact the team.” He affirmed his satisfaction with the forward staying at Old Trafford, stating, “This kind of club needs big talents – and he is a big talent. We just need to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help him.” Amorim agreed that Rashford is “right” in his assertion of being prepared for “a new challenge,” attributing this to the current “difficult situation” at the club. He further commented, “It is a tough one. For me, it is the biggest challenge in football because, as I’ve already said, this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. This is really a new challenge, and the biggest one, so I hope all of my players are ready.” Amorim confirmed that Rashford would be prepared to play against Tottenham if selected, saying, “He is our player and he is ready for the game. I want to take the best from Marcus Rashford, as with the other players – that is a key point for me. I have spoken with a lot of the players, individually, during training. I just want to win and to help the team be better.” He acknowledged that the team performs “better” with the England international, adding, “That is simple. We will try different things to push Marcus to his best level, which he has shown me in the past. That is all.” However, he noted there is “one more training session” before he finalizes his decision regarding the involvement of Rashford and fellow forward Alejandro Garnacho – who was also excluded from the squad for the Manchester derby – in the upcoming cup match. He further stated, “It is the same situation with all of the other players. If they train well, then I will have to make a choice. We will see at the end of the training session.” Finally, Amorim affirmed his concentration is on “the present” rather than “the future,” emphasizing that his main objective is ensuring all his players are “preparing the best they can for each game” as they prepare for Thursday’s fixture.