Gary Neville and Micah Richards in heated row over Marcus Rashford as tempers fray in Sky studio

Gary Neville and Micah Richards clashed in a heated row over Marcus Rashford following his Manchester United exclusion.

Ruben Amorim dropped both Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from his squad to face Manchester City on Sunday.

Without the attacking duo, Man United came from behind to beat Man City 2-1.

Rashford broke his silence after the final whistle as he issued a message on social media.

The star forward's omission from Amorim's squad was the main talking point following the result as Neville and Richards argued in the Sky Sports studio.

Neville referenced Amad's performance as he criticised Rashford.

"It's different for Rashford, he's got the world on his shoulders," the former Man City defender replied.

The former Man United captain then name-dropped David Beckham and Wayne Rooney as he refuted his fellow pundit's claim.

Richards continued to defend Rashford as Roy Keane also weighed in, seemingly praising Amorim's selection call.

🗣️ "It's different for Rashford, he's got the world on his shoulders"
🗣️ "The pressure that Marcus Rashford is under is nothing like the pressure that David Beckham was under."

Gary Neville, Micah Richards and Roy Keane debate Marcus Rashford. pic.twitter.com/7cAB5irmbD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Speaking after the result, Amorim revealed the real reason why he dropped Rashford.

"It’s important to say why: it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game, new life, they are fighting for their places," he said in his post-match press conference.

"If it was disciplinary issue I would say that here and it would be a bigger problem but it’s not that."

The Portuguese boss added: "For me, it’s important: the performance in training, the performance in game, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you engage with teammates, the way you push your teammates, everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when when we want to change a lot of things.

"When people in the club are losing their jobs, we have to push our standards incredibly high and for that they have to fight for a place in the team.

"And today the team proved we can leave anyone out of the squad and manage to win if you play together."