Marcus Rashford made the headlines recently when he directed a jibe at Manchester United upon being asked to relay reasons behind his inconsistency.
Now that he’s flourishing at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford was asked why he couldn’t do so consistently at Manchester United, his boyhood club.
Rashford said an ‘inconsistent environment’ hindered him, and even though he didn’t name Man Utd, the fact that the only other club he’s played for is Aston Villa for six months makes the target clear.
Rashford not taking accountability didn’t sit right with many Man Utd fans, and Roy Keane has now responded to his jibe at the club.
Roy Keane responds to Marcus Rashford
There is truth in Rashford’s statement that United have been in a state of upheaval, making it difficult for players to know where they stand.
However, if there is anyone who can bring consistency to that environment, it’s the people who are a part of it, not least the players who can influence results.
If even the players complain about the same thing as fans do, then there’s really no difference between the people paying for tickets to watch the game and those earning millions to play it.
It’s why Roy Keane, speaking on ITV before England’s game against Latvia, was having none of Rashford’s excuses.
Keane said: “Well, [the inconsistent environment] doesn’t help, but if you look back at Marcus’ time at United towards the end, there were obviously issues going on. He had one or two issues off the field.
“I think he was late for one or two meetings on a night out in Belfast or whatever, so he was part of the problem with the environment, particularly as one of the most experienced players at United. He should have been setting the standards and showing new people at the club what it’s like to be a Man United player, but I think that’s been well documented.
“But the other bit that I think would have frustrated fans, not just maybe England, more at United, was his body language, or not running back or not pressing properly. They’re the stuff he has to tidy up, and if he does that, then there’s no reason why he can’t still become a world–class player.”
Rashford will have to prove himself
Rashford’s comments sum up the issue with the player, because he was wildly inconsistent at Man Utd, even when the club environment was stable.
After scoring 30 goals in all competitions in 2022/23, he earned a lucrative new contract, after which he reverted to poor form.
The same happened under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, because when the manager was in trouble, Rashford left the sinking boat by doing poorly and getting affected by the malaise, instead of fighting back.
It has become a theme in his career that he flourishes when everything is going well, but becomes a part of the problem as soon as one arises.
That’s the difference between good players and world-class players, something he will have to address at Barcelona.
This season going well for him was expected, as he needs to convince Barcelona to sign him permanently. The real test will begin next season if they do. Does this level of motivation remain then?
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