-Credit:Sky Sports.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has explained why he has recalled Marcus Rashford to the matchday squad ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford, insisting “he’s there to be chosen”.
The England international has been named on the bench for the visit of the Magpies, marking his first involvement in the matchday squad since the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.
Rashford had been omitted from each of the last four matchday squads and recently told journalist Henry Winter that he was “ready for a new challenge and the next steps”.
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United are currently contending with injury and suspension-related issues, meaning that may have played a part in Amorim’s decision to recall Rashford to the squad. However, the Portuguese chief has insisted that he is a player on United’s books, meaning he is an option to be considered.
Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, said: “Selection. We have a lot of players outside [unavailable], he’s in every week. I choose my players, he’s there to be chosen and this time he’s here.”
Amid Bruno Fernandes’ absence through suspension, Joshua Zirkzee has replaced the Portugal international in attack, meaning he will support Rasmus Hojlund and Amad in the front-three.
Amad has previously played at right wing-back during Amorim’s short time in charge and the United boss was asked why he had started to play full-backs in the wing-back roles instead of wingers. “Sometimes it’s for the team to be more compact, also for set pieces and to try to use different things. We won against City in this way, I think we have more possession, we have to control the games better,” he said.
“I think Amad in that position he could be an option but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front. I try to reinforce the team with the idea and try to use the characteristics of the players.
“Sometimes it’s hard but we have to make choices and my idea is to win games.”