This statement follows a recent controversy involving Marcus Rashford and Casemiro during the latest two-week break earlier this month. ..Continue Reading
Having recently taken over at Old Trafford, Amorim found himself with a depleted squad for training as many players were away on international duty.
Rashford and Casemiro, who were not called up by their national teams, used the break to travel to the United States, where they were seen enjoying some basketball.
Rashford attended an NBA game between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden, while Casemiro took a family trip to Disney World in Florida and also watched an Orlando Magic basketball game.
Amorim has quickly asserted his authority in Manchester and has made it clear that, while he does not fault Rashford and Casemiro for their actions, such freedoms will not be allowed in the future for players not involved in international duty.
He said: “Would I set a different structure? Yes, for sure. But we cannot put this on the players.
“They [United] told them they have five days off so they can fly anywhere because nobody in the club says you cannot fly. So we cannot, this time, put that on Rash or Case.”
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville joined the conversation, expressing his disapproval of Rashford and Casemiro’s choice to travel during the break, especially considering the club’s ongoing struggles.
Neville highlighted that both players were far from their peak form and questioned whether these trips were the most productive use of their recovery period, particularly with a new manager starting at Carrington that same week.
“I’m not that wound up about Rashford and Casemiro going over to the United States, but what I’m asking is, if you’ve got a four-day break, it is a 12-hour flight and an eight-hour time difference, your jetlag is bad, and you feel a bit [rough],” Neville explained on Stick to Football.
“I’m asking the question based on professionalism – you’re playing badly, the team are losing, your 13th in the league, and there is a new manager coming in – would you choose that trip as a break to recharge your batteries? That’s not a recharging trip. It’s not right that.”
Amorim has confirmed that he will make adjustments in upcoming international breaks, stating “Us as a club have to set the standards and have to manage that.
“It’s my decision if they can have five days, or three days, or three days to rest, and you cannot fly. This is something that us as a club have to decide. So this must be started in the club, with us and me being responsible in that area.”
Known for his meticulous approach, Amorim has instructed his coaching staff to avoid giving overly complicated instructions as he works to swiftly embed his philosophy at Manchester United.
The former Sporting manager holds the view that any concept that cannot be conveyed in a single sentence should be simplified until it is clear and concise.
