In a surprising turn of events, key players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the Manchester United squad for the crucial Premier League derby against Manchester City. Rashford’s inconsistent form and ongoing speculation about a potential transfer have been subjects of discussion. Garnacho’s absence, despite his significant role under manager Ruben Amorim, has raised eyebrows among fans.
Both players were reported to have participated in training earlier at Carrington, adding to the mystery surrounding their exclusion. Addressing the decision, Amorim clarified that it was a tactical choice based on various factors such as performance in training and matches, teamwork, and motivation.
Amorim emphasized his meticulous evaluation process, noting that every aspect, including behavior on and off the field, is taken into account before making selections. The team lineup featured Andre Onana in goal, a defensive trio of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez, a midfield comprising Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot, with Amad Diallo and Mason Mount supporting striker Rasmus Hojlund in attack.
Former United captain Roy Keane expressed optimism that the derby could be a turning point for the team, urging the players to showcase their pride and quality. Keane also stressed the importance of resilience and fighting spirit, emphasizing the urgency for the team to step up and deliver a strong performance.