"Nobody in the club says you cannot fly!" - Ruben Amorim defends Manchester United duo amid criticism of their recent USA trip
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended Marcus Rashford and Casemiro amid criticism of their recent trip to the USA. The Red Devils duo were not called up to their respective national team during the international break and opted to fly across the Atlantic for a personal break.
Rashford was seen pitchside at a New York Knicks basketball game, while Casemiro opted for a family trip to Disney World. Neither player were present when Amorim first arrived at Manchester United on November 11.
The Portuguese manager met with the players who had stayed back during the international break. Rashford and Casemiro's absence soon made headlines and their decision was severely criticized by fans and club legend Gary Neville.
However, speaking in his first press conference as Red Devils head coach, Amorim insisted that the duo were given time off by the club.
"They [Manchester United] told them they have five days off so they can fly anywhere because nobody in the club says you cannot fly!" said Amorim.
Rashford and Casemiro's future at Old Trafford has come under question in recent times. Both players have been a shadow of their former selves of late. The Brazilian could lose his place in Ruben Amorim's starting XI once Kobbie Mainoo returns to full fitness.
The Portuguese head coach is expected to implement his 3-4-3 system at Manchester United, and it is unclear how the duo would fit in. Marcus Rashford was seen operating as the No. 9 during the first training session, while Casemiro was in midfield alongside Mainoo.
Could Leny Yoro make his debut for Manchester United this weekend?
Manchester United fought off competition from Real Madrid to secure the services of Leny Yoro this summer. The Red Devils reported paid Lille £52m for the 18-year-old, who was expected to become a mainstay in the backline this season.
Unfortunately, Yoro picked up a foot injury during pre-season and is yet to make his competitive debut for the Premier League giants. The French defender recently returned to training and was seen operating as a right center-back in a back three in Amorim's first training session.
Yoro was scheduled to appear for the Under-21 side on Tuesday against Altrincham to build his fitness. However, he was withdrawn from the squad after the first training session. All signs now indicate that the Frenchman could be in the squad for Amorim's first game against Ipswich on Sunday, November 24.
