Manchester United ripped into as Rúben Amorim heading for “embarrassment” following Marcus Rashford deal

Manchester United have been ripped into for their recent recruitment decisions as Rúben Amorim is tipped to be heading toward an embarrassment.

Rúben Amorim’s first two months at Manchester United have been anything but straightforward since replacing Erik ten Hag.

Appointed in mid-November with United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League with just one win, the 40-year-old set out to rebuild a club in turmoil.

There have been encouraging moments, including impressive away victories over Arsenal and Manchester City, but inconsistency remains a concern. Under Amorim, United have won nine of their first 19 matches, losing eight and drawing two.

Off the pitch, the situation has been equally challenging. Three senior attackers have left on loan during the winter transfer window without a replacement being brought in, while Lisandro Martínez could be sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Rashford’s move could create embarrassment for Amorim

Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa was confirmed on the weekend, with the Premier League club paying at least 75% of his wages, although this could rise to 90% based on his performances.

They have also negotiated a buy clause of around £40 million for the summer window should they want to keep the player at Villa Park beyond this summer.

Amid the move, former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara has ripped into United for being in “disarray” and leaving Amorim with a Championship-level front line.

“Marcus Rashford could embarrass Manchester United and Ruben Amorim,” O’Hara said on Sky Sports.

“I don’t blame everything on Amorim, if he’s got a player there that doesn’t want to be involved and saying he wants to leave, what choice does he have? I think Manchester United wanted him off the wage bill and I think he needed a fresh start.

“Let’s see what Rashford does but let me tell you that Man United are in disarray, their forward line is Championship level and nowhere near good enough.”

“[Joshua] Zirkzee should not have a United shirt on, Amad’s been the only bright spark, [Alejandro] Garnacho has been poor, and [Rasmus] Højlund doesn’t look like he can hit a barn door. So for me, they have let their best striker go.

“If Aston Villa get the best out of him, Man United could be left with egg on their face.”

United may need to turn to the Academy this season

With United now left with only four attacking options, Amorim may have no choice but to turn to the Carrington Academy to make up for the shortcomings created in January.

Read More: Rúben Amorim must go back on his “right moment” comment on Manchester United star after Lisandro Martínez injury

United recently turned down an offer for young forward Gabriele Biancheri from Serie A side Como, and once the Welshman returns from injury he may start to become involved in the first-team squads and training.

There is also hope that young striker Chido Obi-Martin may start to be used within Amorim’s team, and he could be handed his debut this season should Højlund and Zirkzee continue with sub-par performances.

The signing of Patrick Dorgu brings hope that United can become a more balanced team, with a natural left-footed player now operating on the left flank, but with United’s attacking options looking scarce, should Rashford perform well at Villa, United may well have to sit with their tail between their legs.

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