Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is a good communicator and he’s been in full flow out in the US.
Steven is a senior writer and covers Manchester United for the Manchester Evening News. You can follow Steven on Twitter at @StevenRailston.
Ruben Amorim pictured speaking in the USA.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
It was easy to miss but Ruben Amorim might have just aimed a subtle dig at Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Amorim was asked about his new signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while out on the tour of the US, and said: “They are really humble. They know how to fit into a group, they don’t act like stars.
“They also understand that this is not the moment to want to be a star. They are team players at the same time. But it’s not just what they give to the team, it’s the way they make the feel with their teammates, so they are improving this team in every aspect.”
Amorim produced that answer during an interview with MUTV ahead of Manchester United’s game against West Ham in New Jersey. The clip has gained some traction, but a lot of supporters won’t have seen it.
United’s head coach is a good communicator. His comments could be taken at face value, but it felt like he was sending a message to the players who have crossed him at Old Trafford.
Rashford and Garnacho were both dropped for the Manchester derby in December. Rashford recently moved to Barcelona on loan and Garnacho is set to leave.
Amorim outlined his vision for the dressing room when he appeared to have a dig at Rashford and Garnacho during his interview in the States. The United head coach wants elite players and stars in the dressing room – just not at the expense of the team.
Building a healthy culture is crucial to building a successful team and Amorim wants the right personalities in his dressing room, which is why Rashford and Garnacho have been kicked out.
Erik ten Hag improved standards during his two-and-a-half-year reign and took on Cristiano Ronaldo. Amorim isn’t stupid and has quickly decided Rashford and Garnacho cannot be part of his squad.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Amorim suggested he would be open to reintegrating members of the ‘bomb squad’, but that felt like a deliberate ploy to protect players’ value.
Amorim has moved on with the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo. The 40-year-old is delighted with United’s new additions because they are brilliant players with the character needed to thrive at Old Trafford.
United don’t have room in their squad for players who criticise the manager’s section calls or walk straight down the tunnel after being substituted.
Those are just two of the issues Amorim encountered with Garnacho during his nine months in Manchester.