Ruben Amorim commented on Manchester United players Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, highlighting their autonomy during the international break. He noted that the duo had the freedom to engage in activities of their choice, allowing them to prioritize personal needs and recovery away from team obligations.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim addressed the recent debate surrounding Marcus Rashford and Casemiro’s activities during the international break, emphasizing their freedom to make personal decisions during their time off. Former United captain Gary Neville had initially criticized the players, particularly Rashford, who was seen attending an NBA game between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden, while Casemiro shared Instagram photos of a family trip to Disney World. Neville further claimed, albeit incorrectly, that Rashford had traveled via Portland, a mistake for which he later apologized while seeking Amorim’s opinion on the matter.
In a discussion on Sky Sports, Neville questioned whether Amorim was comfortable with the players flying long distances during the break, given the potential impact on their physical readiness. The manager clarified that such decisions ultimately depend on the standards and rules set by the club, stating, “As a coach, it’s my responsibility to determine how many days off they get—be it three or five—and what they can do during that time. If it’s three days, traveling might be discouraged, but with five days, the players are free to go anywhere since no club policy restricts them from flying.”
Amorim acknowledged the players’ accountability to return to training on time and expressed the importance of maintaining professionalism. He reportedly reminded the squad this week about the expectations regarding their lifestyle off the pitch, particularly the balance between rest and preparation. While he can guide them, their personal choices during downtime remain outside his control.
The issue is particularly sensitive for Rashford, who faced considerable scrutiny under former manager Erik ten Hag for similar reasons. As Amorim prepares to lead Manchester United into Sunday’s game against Ipswich Town—his first match as the club’s manager—both Rashford and Casemiro will be keen to prove their commitment and make a strong impression on the new boss.
