Ruben Amorim has no regrets over loaning Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa in January since the head coach believes the long-term outcome for Manchester United is more vital than losing up to “10 goals” this season.
After Amorim exiled Rashford over his attitude in training in December, the 27-year-old moved to Villa the following month, with Antony also making a temporary move to Real Betis.
United were in 14th place on 38 points before this weekend’s fixtures and will end the season in their lowest Premier League position, whatever happens in Sunday’s game at Bournemouth.
Amorim said of United’s lowly finish: “We lack a lot of things in the team. We saw with Milan in the past, a lot of problems – big teams that when you get inside [the club and understand], in one context, it’s really hard. And in January we lost Rashford and Antony and we didn’t bring new ones – was a risk.
“But there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season. We are trying to do something that is more important. We can hurt the squad now, but in the future it is going to help the club. So we are on that path.”
Amorim said his decision to let Rashford and Antony go was backed by the club’s hierarchy. “That is clear,” he said. “It was my idea, but I try to help the team and sometimes help the players that needed something different – that’s all.”
When approached by United to replace Erik ten Hag in late October, Amorim wanted to take over in the summer. But the 40-year-old changed his mind when the club said the job would not be available then.
He insisted he was happy he left Sporting for Old Trafford. “I have no regrets on joining Manchester [United], I have a lot of regrets in the week after we have lost a game,” said Amorim. “If you had asked me four months ago, with all the problems, maybe I would have felt stronger about starting at the beginning of the season.”
