It is a U-turn that not many saw coming but it has happened as Marcus Rashford is back with the Man Utd squad for the home game vs Newcastle.
Ruben Amorim dropped the teamsheet for the game and most eyes were on one name, that of Marcus Rashford, who came back into the team after being left out of the squad for four consecutive games. Rashford was spotted arriving with the squad hours before the game.
Credit where it’s due, Amorim never really closed the door entirely on the player’s return but it always seemed like lip service to protect his value.
At the same time, the Newcastle game was the easiest one for Rashford’s return due to the squad dynamics, with two suspensions so the Man Utd manager has legitimate reasons to do so.
Ruben Amorim on Marcus Rashford recall
Amorim had maintained that as long as Rashford applies himself and conducts himself in the manner befitting one of the club’s marquee players, there will be a way back for him.
Andy Mitten’s Marcus Rashford claim didn’t do anything to douse the flames over the situation but Amorim has handled the situation smartly.
In the lead-up to the game, Amorim spoke to the media and expanded upon his reasons to reintroduce Rashford into the first-team fold.
He said: “Selection and we have a lot of players outside, so he’s in. Like I said, every week I choose my players. He was there to be chosen and this time he’s here.”
He added via MUTV: “We need to win the game and Marcus could be important today.”
It confirms the theory that his hand has been somewhat forced due to the suspensions and at the same time, his ability to keep the door open for the player has paid off.
Marcus Rashford Man Utd future
Does Rashford’s return to the first-team picture signal an end to the stand-off for now? Unlikely, because there are multiple factors at play here.
For starters, Amorim’s hand was slightly forced due to the dual suspensions, both in midfield, precisely where Rashford has been deployed most often.
Secondly, United get put in a no-win situation for the future if they show their hand that Rashford is completely frozen out of the first-team picture.
Just days before the January window opens, the timing of his return couldn’t have been better as the club is no longer flogging a written-off asset in the market.
For Rashford as well, regardless of how ill-advised his interview was, the only way to make even a sideways move in terms of career prospects is to earn himself one.
That happens only if he impresses at Old Trafford between now and whenever his departure is, if there is one at all.
The ideal scenario in all this is that the player changes his ways, gets his head down, and starts performing to a level that matches his status off the pitch.
Even if that doesn’t happen, this return to the team at this time was needed for all parties.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/rA3i74U