Ruben Amorim warned his Manchester United players they hold “incredibly high” standards as he expanded on his decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
The forward duo were left out of the dramatic derby win over Manchester City, as Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo struck in the final minutes to complete a remarkable turnaround and leave Pep Guardiola’s side stunned.
Speaking before the match, Amorim confirmed that the absence of Rashford and Garnacho from the squad was not injury related, with the pair both training on Sunday morning.
Asked again about that decision after United’s win at the Etihad Stadium, Amorim made it clear he is judging his players’ behaviour on and off the pitch.
“It's not a disciplinary thing,” Amorim said.
“Next week it's a new week, new life. It's how you dress, how you eat and how you interact with your team mates.
“When people in the club are losing their jobs, we have to push our standards incredibly high.”
The Man United boss added on Rashford and Garnacho’s absence: "Nothing special. Finish one game, start a new week. New week, new life, if they train well they will compete for a place in the team. They are playing because they are talented, we need Rashford and Garnacho.
"Next week if they train well like the others. It's the same for everyone. They will play or be on the bench. It was not a disciplinary thing.
“We have to improve our standards inside and outside the pitch. It was a normal week."
One negative for United was Mason Mount being forced off early in the first-half, as his injury problems continued in frustrating fashion.
The midfielder has completed 90 minutes in a United shirt only once but Amorim has been full of praise for Mount since arriving at the club, and bemoaned the latest setback for the Englishman.
"He [Mount] fits our style,” Amorim said.
“He's a very good player inside and also outside the pitch. The type of character we want in this team and the club want. He made the movement and stretched his leg, he felt something. But we need him."
