Neville hails Amorim´s ´real statement´ after dropping Rashford and Garnacho

Gary Neville backed Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United’s matchday squad ahead of their derby victory over Manchester City.

The build-up to the game was dominated by the surprise omissions of Rashford and Garnacho, with Amorim later highlighting the need to improve the standards at the club.

The Man Utd boss’ selection was justified with Amad Diallo grasping his opportunity with both hands – earning the penalty for Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser, before scoring a 90th-minute winner.

And former Red Devils full-back Neville insists Amorim was correct to make a “real statement” in leaving out the two wingers.

“For far too long, we’ve seen players mope around that pitch, and still continue to get a game,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s got to be non-negotiable. If you don’t give your all in your job, you’re out – that’s it, for anybody in life.

“We’ve seen Rashford and Garnacho, for years, stand up on the left and right wing, not chase back when full-backs have gone past them, and still keep their place in the team. No more!

“I want Rashford and Garnacho to come back stronger and take the message they’ve been given in the right spirit, and become the very best players for Manchester United.

“They’ve got the talent and the ability, but if you don’t do that, there’s no place for you at the club, and there’s no place for you in the team.

“If those two players – as the stars – are setting a bad standard, and not engaging with their team-mates correctly, you have to do one of two things.

“You try and shirk it by putting them on the bench, or you can make a real statement by not accepting it or tolerating it, no matter who it is. That’s what Ruben did.”

pic.twitter.com/uTvhPCT2Lf

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 16, 2024

Man Utd looked set for another defeat at 1-0 down in the 88th minute at the Etihad Stadium, but their dramatic turnaround stunned Pep Guardiola’s side.

Neville hopes the result will help improve the mentality and culture within the group, and has urged Rashford to use his omission as positive motivation.

“Manchester United didn’t play well, but the bold decision that the manager has made and the player [Diallo] who has played the game like it should be – they’ve both got their rewards,” he added.

“You cannot keep, year after year, watching Manchester United being dross. There is a mentality and cultural problem in the team, but [Sunday] may just help them.

“They’ll feel more empowered and stronger than they’ve ever felt in the past few years, because big decisions have been made.

“This is very good for Marcus Rashford. Ruben Amorim has told him to start with a clean slate. I hope Marcus is playing on Thursday against Tottenham, and I hope he scores two or three goals and fights for every single pass and ball, but he’s not been doing that.”