The ruthless way Ruben Amorim let Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho know that they were being dropped for Man City game

Ruben Amorim sent a message to his Manchester United squad by dropping Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for their clash against Manchester City – and he did so in no-nonsense fashion.

An 'unconfirmed' United starting XI for the Manchester derby was 'leaked' by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst on the eve of Sunday's Premier League game at the Etihad.

It was a team that featured the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot but to the surprise of many, both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were missing from the XI.

But now, 17 hours after the 'leaked' line-up was posted on Facebook, Amorim has confirmed that both players have been left out of Sunday's matchday squad.

Asked about his team selection, Amorim told Sky Sports: "We try to evaluate everything. Training performance, game performances, engagement with teammates, push their teammates up.

"Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple."

Amorim added: "I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart. Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is simple selection.

"Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.

"There is a communication after the last training. They are alright. They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well."

Amorim, meanwhile, is said to have informed both Garnacho and Rashford about being dropped for the City game on WhatsApp.

"It's just simple selection" 💬

Ruben Amorim explains his decision to not include Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho in his side 😳 pic.twitter.com/a9CdgPmugV

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

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Amorim's decision to inform the pair through WhatsApp.

One said: "Amorim keeping it clear and direct—WhatsApp, training, and top communication," while another commented: "Garnacho and Rashford informed through WhatsApp. As it should be. Ruthlessness is needed Amorim."

A third wrote: "WhatsApp? You can do better Mr Amorim. You might lose the dressing room soon."

A fourth said: "Couldn't even face them and tell them to their face. On WhatsApp? Amorim does not really rate Garnacho and Rashford," and a fifth added: "My manager told them on WhatsApp you know."

Thoughts on the call? Let us know in the comments.