Premier League

Parker backs Amorim’s decision to let Rashford leave Man United

Former Manchester United player Paul Parker has backed manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to allow Marcus Rashford to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, had fallen out of favour under Amorim, having last played for the team in the Manchester derby victory in December.

Parker believes Amorim made the right call in letting the England forward go, as Rashford was not fulfilling the role Amorim required. “I don’t think he will regret letting him [Rashford] go because he won’t give Amorim what he wants. He is not a natural centre-forward either,” Parker told Metro.

Reflecting on Rashford’s performance, Parker continued, “You saw in the Ipswich game that, yes, he scored, but he was non-existent as a centre-forward.” He also pointed out that Rashford struggles with physical play, adding, “He doesn’t like people behind him because he doesn’t like getting kicked.”

Parker further emphasized that the situation with Rashford and his attitude was detrimental to the squad, stating, “He did not need that situation with Rashford and his attitude from January until the end of the season. He didn’t need that around affecting the squad.”

Premier League

Amorim Explains Rashford’s Loan Move to Aston Villa

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Marcus Rashford’s departure on loan to Aston Villa was due to differences in football philosophy.

Rashford, 27, joined Villa on a loan deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer valued at £40 million, with the Midlands club covering up to 75% of his wages.

Amorim explained that despite Rashford’s talent, he struggled to adapt to the coach’s tactical approach.

“I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim said.

He acknowledged that player-coach dynamics can vary, saying, “Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery, and I hope they can connect because he’s a very good player.”

Rashford made notable contributions under Amorim, scoring his first goal during a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town and starting key matches against Everton and Viktoria Plzen.

Villa fans will now anticipate seeing the forward make an impact under Unai Emery’s management.

Premier League

Liverpool to Face Newcastle United in Carabao Cup Final

Liverpool secured their place in this year’s Carabao Cup final with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday night.

Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg in North London, the Reds staged a stunning comeback.

After a goalless first half, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock with a sharp snapshot. Mohamed Salah then doubled Liverpool’s advantage from the penalty spot after Gakpo was fouled.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a third with a composed finish, before captain Virgil van Dijk sealed the rout with a powerful header.

Their final opponents, Newcastle United, defeated Arsenal 2-0 on Wednesday night at St James’ Park, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

The highly anticipated final will take place on March 16.

Premier League

Jose Fonte tips Van Dijk for Summer Move to Top European Club

Former Southampton captain Jose Fonte has predicted that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk may leave Anfield this summer for a bigger European club.

Speaking to AS, Fonte expressed confidence that elite clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich would be keen to sign the Reds captain, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

“Virgil van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season,” Fonte stated.

He added, “Those clubs will be looking for defenders who are as reliable as Van Dijk, and everyone will be watching if he goes to the end of the season without signing a contract.”

Fonte believes Van Dijk, despite his age, remains a formidable player. “He can still play at the highest level and has shown he can look after himself. He will have no problem staying at the highest level for another three or four years.”