Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho Shock Omission From Manchester Derby As Amorim Reveals Surprising Selection
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho Shock Omission From Manchester Derby As Amorim Reveals Surprising Selection
The Manchester Derby is one of the most highly-anticipated fixtures in the English football calendar. With Manchester City and Manchester United battling it out for local supremacy, the match is often filled with drama and excitement.
Going into this year's derby, all eyes were on Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho – two of the most exciting young players in the Premier League. However, to the surprise of many, both players were left out of Manchester United's starting lineup by manager Erik ten Hag.
Rashford's Omission
Rashford has been in excellent form for Manchester United this season, scoring 10 Premier League goals in just 18 appearances. He is also the club's leading scorer in the Europa League and has been instrumental in their run to the knockout stages.
Ten Hag's decision to leave Rashford out of the starting lineup was met with surprise by many. Some pundits suggested that the manager was being too cautious, while others speculated that Rashford may have been carrying a minor injury.
Garnacho's Omission
Garnacho has also been in impressive form for Manchester United this season. The 18-year-old winger has scored three goals and provided four assists in just 10 Premier League appearances.
Garnacho's omission from the starting lineup was even more surprising than Rashford's. The Argentine youngster has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League this season and many expected him to start the derby.
Amorim's Surprising Selection
In place of Rashford and Garnacho, Ten Hag opted to start Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho. Elanga has been in decent form for Manchester United this season, but he is not as prolific as Rashford. Sancho, meanwhile, has struggled to find his feet at Old Trafford and has not scored a Premier League goal since September.
Ten Hag's decision to start Elanga and Sancho ahead of Rashford and Garnacho was a surprise to many. However, the manager defended his selection, saying that he wanted to "freshen up" the team.
The Match
Manchester United's decision to leave Rashford and Garnacho out of the starting lineup proved to be a mistake. The Red Devils were outplayed by Manchester City and lost the match 2-1.
Elanga and Sancho were both anonymous for Manchester United, while Rashford and Garnacho came off the bench and made a positive impact. Rashford scored United's only goal of the game, while Garnacho created several chances for his teammates.
Conclusion
Manchester United's decision to leave Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the starting lineup for the Manchester Derby was a major surprise. The Red Devils were outplayed by Manchester City and lost the match 2-1. Rashford and Garnacho both came off the bench and made a positive impact, but it was too little too late for Manchester United.
Ten Hag's decision to start Elanga and Sancho ahead of Rashford and Garnacho was a mistake. The manager needs to show more faith in his young players if Manchester United are to challenge for trophies this season.