Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United squad for Newcastle clash

By Ian Parker, PA

Marcus Rashford returned to the Manchester United squad as a substitute for Monday’s game against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim made four changes to his starting XI with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended, and the reshuffle included Rashford’s first involvement in a matchday squad since he played in the 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

The 27-year-old had been left out of the last four squads, starting with the Manchester derby win over City on December 15, when Amorim had said he wanted to see more from the forward and appeared to question his professionalism.

📋 The team is in!#MUFC || #MUNNEW

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 30, 2024

The situation was then exacerbated a few days later when Rashford said he was “ready for a new challenge” away from United.

Asked to explain the decision to bring Rashford back in on Monday, United boss Amorim told Sky Sports: “Selection. We have lots of players outside and so he’s in.

“Like I said, every week I choose my players. He was there to be chosen and this time he is here.”