Marcus Rashford laughs and jokes in Man Utd training days after Amorim said he’d rather start goalkeeping coach, 63
MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in Manchester United training this morning.
It comes after Ruben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in his matchday squad.
Despite that, the 27-year-old was included in Amorim’s final practice ahead of United's Europa League trip to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.
Amorim first questioned Rashford's effort on the training ground after leaving him out of the Manchester Derby win on December 15.
And the Portuguese boss has continued to reiterate his problem with the England international's work-rate at Carrington.
Amorim, who turned 40 years old on Monday, doubled down on his Rashford stance after United's 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.
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He said: “It’s always the same reason. The reasons is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do.
“In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”
The United forward has not played for Amorim since the club's 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
The Red Devils have played 11 matches across all competitions since then with Rashford being named as an unused sub once against Newcastle.
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The relationship between the manager and player is now reportedly at an all-time low.
It comes days after the that Amorim and Rashford are allegedly no longer on direct speaking terms.
The report claims that the only time Amorim will address Rashford is when he is speaking to the squad as a whole.
Despite that, the £325,000-per-week winger has stayed training with his team-mates and was pictured in practice for the first time last week.
But Amorim hasn't let the controversy get to him this week after he was filmed running the gauntlet alongside Darren Fletcher this morning.
The gaffer celebrated his milestone on Monday, while Fletcher is set to mark his 41st birthday on Saturday 1 February.
However club legend Paul Scholes has called for Rashford to be banished from the dressing room altogether.
Scholes believes his on going transfer saga amid allegations of poor effort in training is "setting a bad example for the young players at the club".
United have lost five of the 11 games Rashford has been absent for.
But he has posted messages of support for his team-mates on Instagram after their recent wins over Rangers and Fulham.
Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window - which closes in five days time.
It came after the winger admitted he is ready for a "new challenge" in December.
But SunSport exclusively reported that he is now open to staying and fighting for his place.
Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to play if selected.
But Rashford's brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon last Wednesday.
Rashford reportedly has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.
The home-grown player was initially linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
But Kyle Walker's loan move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side's long-running interest in Rashford and Dortmund cannot afford his wages.
Cash-strapped Barca are finding it difficult to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor permanently, so a move to Spain seems off the cards too.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw returned to training for the first time since suffering a "devastating" muscle injury against Everton on December 1.
Shaw had only just returned to the previous matchday squad against Ipswich before being ruled out again.
Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also spotted laughing and joking with his team-mates at Carrington this morning.
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United are on course to finish among the top eight of the Europa League standings and therefore secure an automatic spot in the round of 16.
The Red Devils sit fourth in the Europa table with one game remaining.
MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleys
MANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.
Lisandro Martinez's deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils' only shot on target all game.
Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.
Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.
Andre Onana - 7
Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.
Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.
Diogo Dalot - 6
Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham's main attacking threat.
Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.
Matthijs de Ligt - 8
Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United's right-hand side.
Harry Maguire - 9
A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United's best players since Amorim took charge.
Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.
Lisandro Martinez - 8
Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.
His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.
Noussair Mazraoui - 7
Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte - 6
Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle - in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.
Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.
Amad Diallo - 6
Looked bright on the ball and United's only real outlet going forward.
He worked tirelessly and pressed really well - his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.
Alejandro Garnacho - 3
Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.
Rasmus Hojlund - 4
His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.
He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.
Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.
Subs:
Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) - 6
A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) - 5
Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.
Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) - 6
Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) - 6
Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.
A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.
Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) - 6
Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.