Amorim drops brutal bomb over Rashford and Antony Man Utd careers

Ruben Amorim has insisted he has no regrets over letting Marcus Rashford and Antony leave Manchester United in January despite his side’s attacking struggles this season.

Only four teams have scored fewer goals than United in the Premier League this season, with forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having struggled to find form and netting just six goals between them.

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Rashford, meanwhile, has nine goal contributions since joining Aston Villa on loan in January, along with Antony’s seven for Real Betis but Amorim believes he was right to sacrifice quality now for potential success in the future.

“In January we lost players – and you are talking about Rashford and Antony,” Amorim said. “We lost these players and we didn’t bring new ones in. It was a risk. But I think that 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 because in the future it is going to help the club. I think we are on that path.

“Like I said, in that moment, it was my idea. But I tried to help the team – and also help those players who need something different. That’s all.”

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United to use Rashford and Antony form as transfer bait

Amorim’s words suggests that neither Rashford or Antony are likely to have changed his opinion on their futures despite their impressive form at their new clubs.

Instead, United will see the duo’s resurgence as a potential boost to their summer plans in the hope that their permanent departures could generate some crucial transfer revenue and add to Amorim’s budget.

Villa have an option to buy Rashford for £40 million (€47m) and, while the Midlands outfit have yet to decide on taking it up, they are keen to keep hold of the 27-year-old, while other clubs are believed to be interested in his signature too.

However, Betis are unlikely to have the funds to make Antony’s loan permanent and will instead strive to keep the Brazilian on loan for another season, having boasted the third-best form in La Liga since his signing.

Both players’ exits could allow United to further fund their dealings, having reportedly akready struck an agreement with Matheus Cunha over a €75m transfer, while Liam Delap remains the club’s top target to strengthen up front.

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