Ruben Amorim doubles down on Marcus Rashford stance as he makes 'hurt' admission (2025)

Marcus Rashford has impressed since leaving Manchester United to join Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window and Ruben Amorim has insisted he was right to get rid of the forward

Ruben Amorim insists he was right to kick Marcus Rashford out of Manchester United. Rashford has been rejuvenated by a move to Aston Villa following Amorim’s decision to allow the England striker leave Old Trafford on loan in January along with £89million Brazilian winger Antony and Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia.

Amorim has revealed he had the final say on all three departures - and that he believes it was a gamble he had to take for the long-term health of the club.

The United boss said: “In January we lost players - and you are talking about Rashford and Antony. We lost these players and we didn't bring new ones in.

“It was a risk. But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.

“We are trying to do something that is more important. We can hurt the squad now because in the future it is going to help the club. I think we are on that path.

“Like I said, in that moment, it was my idea. But I tried to help the team - and also help those players who need something different. That's all.”

Amorim’s words suggest there is no way back for Rashford despite winning an England recall with his form - or Antony and Malacia.

Villa have the option of buying the 27-year-old striker for £40million in the summer, but his £325,000-a-week wages will be a problem for the midlands club even if they qualify for the Champions League.

Antony has also enjoyed a return to form after moving to Real Betis, but the Spanish club’s hopes of raising £30million to make the deal permanent hinge on clinching a place the Champions League and Manuel Pellegrini's team have ground to make up.

Malacia has moved back to Holland with PSV Eindhoven and United will be lucky to get more than half of the £15million they paid Feyenoord for the Dutchman in 2022.

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