Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed that Marcus Rashford is still far from returning to the club’s matchday squad. The England international has now missed 11 consecutive games, including United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Rashford’s last appearance for Manchester United came more than six weeks ago, in the Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on December 12th. Following that match, the striker hinted at seeking a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, fueling speculation about his future at the club.

The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Rashford to move on, but so far, no deal has materialized. Despite United’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, Amorim remains firm in his stance regarding the player.

When questioned about Rashford’s continued absence after the Fulham game, Amorim remarked, “It’s the same, it’s always the same reason. The reason lies in the training, in how I view what footballers should do every day—every detail matters.”

Amorim elaborated on his philosophy, stating, “If things don’t change, I won’t change. The same applies to every player. If you give your maximum effort and do the right things consistently, you’ll get your chance. But as of now, I’m not seeing that.”

The manager admitted that the team lacked pace and attacking dynamism on the bench, which could have helped alter the game against Fulham. However, he remains steadfast in his principles. “I’d rather put Vital [United’s goalkeeping coach] on the pitch before I field a player who isn’t giving their all every day. My standards won’t change in that regard,” he emphasized.

Amorim’s hardline stance persists despite Manchester United’s offensive woes. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have managed just five goals between them in the Premier League this season. Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager is unwilling to compromise his expectations for Rashford or any other player, signaling a clear message about his commitment to discipline and work ethic within the squad.

Antony’s temporary switch to Real Betis has been confirmed, with the Manchester United winger joining the La Liga side on loan until the end of the season after facing challenges in securing a regular spot under manager Ruben Amorim.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea took to social media to wish his former teammate Antony the best of luck following the announcement.

The Brazilian international arrived in Spain on Friday evening to finalize the details of his move to Betis. The agreement does not include an option for a permanent transfer in the summer, keeping Antony’s future beyond this season open.

Antony joined Manchester United in September 2022 from Ajax in a high-profile £86.3 million deal. However, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League. While he marked his debut with a goal against Arsenal, his tally stands at just 12 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

This season, Antony has found the back of the net only once, scoring in a commanding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup third round. With limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old now heads to Spain, where Betis is reportedly set to cover a significant portion of his salary during the loan period.

Expressing his excitement about the move, Antony shared his thoughts on Instagram alongside several pictures, writing, “Intense day! Made a new story!”

His post was flooded with messages of encouragement from fans and players alike. Among them, De Gea, now playing for Fiorentina, offered his support by commenting in Spanish, “Suerte amigo,” meaning “Good luck, friend.” Current Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir also wished the winger success in his new chapter.

Antony and De Gea shared a year as teammates during the Brazilian’s debut season at United before De Gea’s departure in 2023. Now, as Antony embarks on this new journey with Real Betis, he’ll be looking to reignite his career and make a lasting impression in La Liga.

The latest updates from Manchester United’s transfer activities involve notable names like Christopher Nkunku and Ayden Heaven. With Ruben Amorim still shaping his influence at Old Trafford, potential moves for Premier League talent may accelerate his progress.

As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, Manchester United remain engaged in negotiations for both incoming and outgoing players. While losing Alejandro Garnacho would be a reluctant sacrifice, the departure of others, such as Antony, might prove mutually beneficial.

Amorim’s tactical vision demands specific players to execute his strategies effectively. Although his system is still a work in progress, securing the right additions could hasten its success.

Links to Nkunku

Reports from ESPN suggest that Manchester United are targeting Christopher Nkunku in this transfer window. Enzo Maresca, speaking recently about the Chelsea attacker, shed light on Nkunku’s limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to football.london, Maresca explained: “The problem, unfortunately, for João [Felix] and Christo, is that the manager prefers to play most games with one attacking midfielder, which is Cole Palmer.

“We’ve decided to focus on this setup for balance, and that’s why João and Christo have struggled to get minutes. It’s not about their quality – they’re fantastic players and great professionals.”

When pressed on whether this situation indicated an end to their Chelsea careers, Maresca responded: “I’m not saying that. I’m saying they’re struggling because of the current tactical setup.”

Analysis

The potential link to Nkunku raises eyebrows. While the Frenchman’s versatility and past success in the Bundesliga have been undeniable, his impact in the Premier League over the past 18 months has been underwhelming. At a rumored £70 million fee, questions arise about whether he’s the right fit for Manchester United, though a departure from Chelsea seems likely given his current dissatisfaction.

Ayden Heaven Rumors

Another player linked with Manchester United is Arsenal’s 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven. Following United’s acquisition of Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal’s youth system last summer, the club is reportedly considering terms for Heaven, who has already made his debut in the Carabao Cup and regularly trains with Arsenal’s first team.

At a recent press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was tight-lipped about the rumors. When asked about potentially losing Heaven, he simply said: “I cannot talk about anything.”

Analysis

The emphasis on nurturing homegrown talents has become critical under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Losing another academy prospect to a rival like Manchester United could be a significant blow for Arsenal. However, United’s ability to offer more immediate first-team opportunities might sway Heaven’s decision. While Arsenal will hope to retain their young defender, Amorim’s evolving system could make Manchester United an attractive destination in the long term.