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Roy Keane has backed Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the Manchester United squad that faced off against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
United came from behind to beat the reigning Premier League champions 2-1.
Amad Diallo was the start of the show as the Red Devils scored twice in two minutes to overturn Josko Gvardiol’s first-half opener and clinch all three points.
Diallo won the penalty, which Bruno Fernandes scored before he also got on the scoresheet himself.
However, much of the talk before and after the game revolved around Amorim’s decision to axe Rashford and Garnacho from the contingent that made its way to the Etihad.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim strongly suggested that the pair’s failure to match the standards across a number of areas was behind their respective absences.
These areas include choice of dressing, engagement with teammates and form.
Amorim reiterated on multiple occasions that the two academy graduates were not dropped due to disciplinary issues. He also made it clear that it’s well within their hands to win their spots back in the team.
The situation has elicited a lot of debate and according to Keane, Amorim certainly made the right decision.
Keane said on Sky Sports [via GOAL], “It is a big call. He has obviously seen something he doesn’t like. But for those who have watched Manchester United recently, it’s not a big surprise because both players have been poor.”
“He has said ‘enough is enough’. It’s a big call, but I like to see it – he has put down a marker.”
Keane said about Rashford, “A move for Marcus [Rashford] would suit the player – a new challenge for him. He’s been there a long time. When you’re at a big club and your attitude is not right – and it hasn’t been great recently – sometimes it’s good to part ways.”
The legendary United captain admitted that he was left very impressed by Amad’s performance vs. Pep Guardiola’s men.
“It was well deserved. He’s got energy and quality. You do worry as he’s a young kid and stays grounded – it was a big afternoon for him.”
“He was prepared to run in behind. Everyone wants to come and get the ball but you need people running beyond the striker. You need to have certain traits to play for Manchester United and he’s got it – he looks comfortable in the jersey.”
“Some players can’t find their feet playing for United but he looks OK being a Manchester United player.”
United are back in action on Thursday when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT.
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