SHOCK Sammy McIlroy was left disappointed at the run of events that led to star player Marcus Rashford being loaned out from Manchester United to Aston Villa. Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP
Image: Paul Ellis/AFP
As a Red Devils legend himself, Sammy McIlroy was left disappointed at the run of events that led to star player Marcus Rashford being loaned out from Manchester United to Aston Villa.
Rashford who spent 10 seasons with United, fell out of favour when new coach Ruben Amorim took charge in November.
Though uninjured, Rashford quickly began missing matches and speculation about his future at the club intensified.
It led to Amorim criticising Rashford’s attitude in training, as a response to why he was being left out.
The 70-year-old McIlroy who spent 11 years with United from 1971 to 1982, said he did not agree with coaches publicly criticising their players.
“Loads of Manchester United fans will be absolutely gutted he’s left the club. Honestly, I’m absolutely flabbergasted by the downfall of Marcus Rashford,” McIlroy told sportsboom.com.
“What’s happened reminds a lot of what happened when Erik ten Hag was in charge and he criticised Jadon Sancho for a lack of effort. That ended badly and Sancho left the club.”
The former midfielder, however, said Amorim’s hand may have been forced.
“But if it’s true, and he’s not been working hard in training, then the manager is obviously going to do something about it. If players don’t want to train, then something is obviously going on. And, ultimately, it’s led to this."
“At the end of the day Amorim is a strong manager and the club have got to back him on his decisions. I’m not a fan of the manager criticising players in public, I don’t think you should air your dirty washing in public, but the manager is a strong character and he’s not going to change."