Manchester United: Ruben Amorim imposes second ban as boss lays down the law | Football | Sport

New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear he will not allow players to treat international breaks as extra holidays in the future. It comes after the recent row involving Marcus Rashford and Casemiro during their last two-week break this month.

Having just taken charge at Old Trafford, Amorim found himself with a limited training squad due to many players being away on international duty.

Rashford and Casemiro, who are not currently playing for their national teams, took advantage of the break to travel to the United States where they were spotted playing basketball.

Rashford was photographed at the NBA game between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden, while Casemiro enjoyed a family trip to Disney World in Florida and attended an Orlando Magic basketball game.

Amorim quickly established his power in Manchester. And he said that while he does not blame Rashford and Casemiro for their actions, such liberties will not be taken in the future if the players are not selected for international duty.

He said, “Can I install a different structure? Yes, sure. But we can’t impose this on the players.”

“They (United) told them they had five days off so they could fly anywhere because no one at the club says you can’t fly. So we can’t put it on Rush or Case this time.”

Former United star Gary Neville was among those to speak out on the issue, criticizing the decision of Rashford and Casemiro to travel, especially given Manchester United’s current problems.

Neville noted that neither player had performed at their best and suggested that traveling was not the most useful way to spend recovery time, especially with a new boss arriving at Carrington that same week.

“I’m not that worried about Rashford and Casemiro going to the United States, but I ask: if you have a four-day break, it’s a 12-hour flight and an eight-hour break. There’s a time difference, you’re very jet-lagged and you feel a little (rough),” Neville explained on Stick to Football.

“I’m asking a question from a professional perspective – you’re playing poorly, the team is losing, you’re 13th in the league and a new manager comes in – would you take this trip as a break to recharge?” This is not a recharging trip. This is wrong.”

Amorim confirmed he would make adjustments during the upcoming international breaks, saying: “It’s up to us as a club to set the standards and manage it.”

“It’s my decision if they have five days or three days or three days off and you can’t fly. This is something that we as a club need to decide. So this has to start within the club, with us and I have responsibility in this area.”

Known for his attention to detail, Amorim has already banned his coaching staff from giving complex instructions in a bid to quickly convey his vision to United’s players.

The former head of Sporting is convinced that any idea that cannot be expressed in one sentence should be discarded until it becomes clear.