Paul Merson has claimed that Ruben Amorim could be sacked if the decision to loan out Marcus Rashford backfires.
Rashford put a temporary end to his Manchester United career when he joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old quickly fell out of favour with Amorim when the Portuguese gaffer replaced Erik ten Hag in November. Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils came on December 12.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the pair. Rashford scored the first goal under Amorim in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Ipswich.
The England international also scored twice in the 4-0 win over Everton before falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Rashford is in line to make his debut for The Lions against Tottenham in the FA Cup 4th round on Sunday afternoon. Now, Merson fears the worse for Amorim if Rashford rediscovers his scoring touch.
Ruben Amorim Could Be Sacked If Marcus Rashford Flourishes At Aston Villa
“Ruben Amorim is running out of ideas at the moment,” Merson told Sky Sports News on Monday. “He’s struggling badly. What he’s done with the Marcus Rashford situation is mind-blowing.
“His job is on the line at this rate. If Rashford gets 10 goals in 10 games – and Manchester United carry on the way they’re playing – then the board will be asking the question: ‘What are you doing?'”
Merson went on to say how Rashford will be gunning for revenge. He’ll be more determined than ever to prove Amorim wrong over the next few months.
“He might be one of them where the Villa fans and the manager open their arms to him and he will go: ‘I’m going to show that Amorim. You bad mouthed me, embarrassed me by saying I wouldn’t get in over a 63-year-old goalkeeper coach.’
“I think he can come back. It could end very badly for Amorim – he would be under severe pressure if they keep playing badly and Rashford starts ripping it up at Villa. He won’t be the Manchester United manager for long!”
During his nine years at Old Trafford, Rashford made over 400 appearances and scored 138 goals in all competitions. He has also lifted five major trophies including the 2023/24 FA Cup.
Ahead of Sunday’s cup game against Tottenham, the best football betting sites in the UK make Villa the 10/11 favourites. Spurs can be backed at 29/10.
