Manchester United’s upcoming pre-season friendly against AC Milan in Poland will see a significant storyline unfold as two players who faced public criticism from former United manager Ruben Amorim, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, prepare to face him on the opposing side. The match marks a remarkable turn of events since Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, where both academy stars were notably sidelined and publicly addressed by the Portuguese coach.

Ruben Amorim’s Stance on Rashford and Mainoo

The friction between Amorim and Marcus Rashford first became acutely public in late January 2025. Following a period where Rashford had been absent from matchday squads for nearly two months, having been dropped by Amorim ahead of a Manchester derby, the manager did not hold back in a post-match press conference at Craven Cottage after a 1-0 win against Fulham. Amorim’s comments were stark, suggesting that his decisions were rooted in a player’s commitment to training and the daily demands of professional football.

‘It’s always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life,’ Amorim stated at the time. ‘It’s every day, every detail. If things don’t change, I will not change.’ He further emphasized his point by controversially claiming he would prioritize his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, over a player who did not consistently give their maximum effort, even if that player was an international footballer earning substantial wages.

This public critique, delivered in front of numerous media outlets, was widely interpreted as a definitive moment in Rashford’s United career under Amorim, signaling a deep rift. At the time, sources close to the club questioned Amorim’s man-management approach with elite players. Rashford was eventually loaned out, first to Aston Villa and then to Barcelona, where he experienced significant success, winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Amorim’s critical approach resurfaced in December 2025. After a 1-1 draw at home against West Ham, Kobbie Mainoo, who was still establishing himself in the Premier League, found himself the subject of similar scrutiny. Amorim, in a tense press conference, expressed his lack of trust in the young midfielder, despite his burgeoning reputation and even England call-ups.

‘I understand what you are saying,’ Amorim responded to questions about Mainoo. ‘You love Kobbie, he starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in], so it’s my decision.’ This stance mirrored the earlier situation with Rashford, highlighting a pattern of public questioning of player commitment and performance from the manager.

A New Chapter for Rashford and Mainoo

Remarkably, the narrative has now shifted dramatically. As Manchester United prepares for their 2026-27 season, Amorim is now at the helm of AC Milan, and both Rashford and Mainoo are expected to feature prominently against him. For the players, there is a desire among those close to them to move past the difficult period. Amorim has since departed Old Trafford, and both players have remained with the club, seemingly ready to prove their worth.

However, for some members of the United backroom staff, the upcoming friendly carries an extra layer of motivation. Reports suggest a strong determination within the group to secure a victory over Amorim, perhaps more so than over AC Milan itself. This sentiment is particularly strong regarding Rashford, with a notable push within the club to ensure this reunion doesn’t overshadow the team’s objectives.

The news that seven AC Milan players have reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements resonates with the ‘bomb squad’ approach Amorim previously employed, a detail unlikely to go unnoticed by a motivated United squad. The situation adds a compelling subplot to the pre-season fixture.

Player Perspectives and Future Outlook

Marcus Rashford, despite the past controversies, has been welcomed back into the United fold. New signing Youri Tielemans, who previously played alongside Rashford at Aston Villa, offered a glowing endorsement, countering the negative portrayal the forward had faced.

‘He was great,’ Tielemans commented. ‘There had been so much talk about him and bringing pressure and the media around him, but I thought he was just so good, you know. He was very humble, he was just hard working, and from the first training you could tell his touch, his acceleration was just amazing.’

Manager Michael Carrick emphasized the positive atmosphere surrounding Rashford’s return, viewing it as part of a fresh start for the team. ‘In some ways, it feels a fresh start, you know, with new players coming into the building, new challenges, new things to try and win, it’s quite exciting,’ Carrick said. He remained non-committal about Rashford’s long-term future beyond the transfer window, with club figures reportedly keen to manage the wage bill, but the immediate focus is on the present.

The reunion with Amorim presents a unique storyline. With both Rashford and Mainoo poised to play key roles, the match offers a chance for them to demonstrate their resilience and quality against the manager who once publicly questioned their commitment. While the players themselves may wish to draw a line under the past, the underlying desire for a positive outcome against their former critic is palpable, adding significant intrigue to this pre-season encounter.

Conclusion

The upcoming friendly between Manchester United and AC Milan is more than just a pre-season warm-up. It represents a significant narrative arc for Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, offering them an opportunity to confront a past chapter under Ruben Amorim. As they prepare to face their former manager, the match is imbued with subtext, highlighting themes of resilience, redemption, and the unpredictable nature of football careers. The outcome on the pitch will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest, not just for the result, but for the personal stories playing out on the field.