Neville backs Amorim amid Rashford criticism

Editorial take on Gary Neville choosing to back Ruben Amorim while Marcus Rashford's critique of Manchester United sparks internal tension

Neville backs Amorim amid Rashford criticism

Gary Neville has chosen to back Ruben Amorim as United’s rebuilding work comes under the spotlight. He refused to go into Marcus Rashford’s recent criticisms on air, instead urging Rashford to focus on his Barcelona loan and his own form. Rashford argued that United cannot hide behind a transition and called for a clear long-term plan after several managerial changes.

Neville’s comments came during Sky Sports coverage of United’s opening game, a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He expressed cautious optimism about Amorim’s approach, noting the new manager’s use of a flexible formation and a refreshed squad that included Mason Mount and Luke Shaw. Neville said the system looked balanced when Cunha and Mount played together, and Casemiro appeared to be playing with more certainty. Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher reminded viewers that it was one game, while Neville stressed the season would determine whether the plan holds up.

The exchange underscores a broader tension in United’s rebuild: the clash between club legends and the evolving strategy under a new manager. Neville’s stance suggests a preference for measured patience, while Rashford’s public critique highlights a risk that internal disagreements could spill into the wider fan base and media. The moment also exposes how loan moves and media debates shape perceptions of progress at a big club, where a single game can be framed as a turning point or a warning sign. Looking ahead, the challenge for Amorim is to translate fragile optimism into consistent performance while navigating expectations from former players and a global audience.

Highlights

The club’s next moves will test whether the rebuilding plan can win a wider vote of confidence.