ROY KEANE has told Marcus Rashford that he was “part of the problem” at Manchester United.
Rashford claimed on Monday he’s been suffering in an “inconsistent environment for a very long time” in an apparent dig at the Red Devils.
But Keane, 54, says Rashford played into the toxicity at times, although wishes him the best “with his second chance”.
The legendary United captain then offered advice to Rashford on how to become an elite player, admitting he has “fantastic” potential.
When quizzed on Rashford’s statement, Keane told ITV: “‘Towards the end of his time at United, there was obviously issues.
“He was part of the problem with the environment, especially one of the most experienced players at United.
“He should have been setting the standards and showing new people at he club what it’s like to be a United player. But that’s been well documented.
“What we have to look at is he’s got this chance now with England and he deserved it.
“No doubt about his talent, he’s obviously fantastic. But the bit that would have frustrated fans is his body language, not running back or not pressing properly.
“That’s the things he needs to tidy up and if he does there’s no reason he can’t become a world class player.”
Rashford was subbed on in the 71st minute of England’s 5-0 thrashing of minnows Latvia as the Three Lions secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The 27-year-old winger, who was part of Ruben Amorim‘s five-man ‘bomb squad’, has revitalised his career since joining Barcelona on a season-long loan in the summer.
Keane added on Tuesday night: “I think he was late for one or two meetings, on a night out in Belfast or whatever.
“If you’re part of the environment and you’re causing problems at the club by being late and not being a top pro then you’re part of the problem, you’re not helping the environment.
“He’s got to mature a little bit. He’s 27 so there’s plenty of time for him and I don’t begrudge him another chance.”
The Sun revealed that Barca are “ecstatic” with Rashford’s form and have been left particularly impressed with his work ethic.
The United loanee has more goal involvements than any other Barca player across all competitions this season, with his three goals and five assists.
But England boss Thomas Tuchel told Rashford more work must be done to cement his plane ticket to the Americas in 240 days time.
Tuchel said: “He can be one of the best in the world because the quality I see in training, his finishing with both feet and with the head.
“He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits? There are no limits.
“But the numbers don’t reach the potential, it is as easy as that. He needs to push himself into goal involvements, that means goals and assists.
“He was part of the problem with the environment, particularly as one of the most experienced players at United.
Keane on Rashford
“You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis, that is what is demanded on this kind of level and that is the challenge for him.
“This is his task, whether he starts for us or comes off the bench he has to constantly prove himself.”
Rashford’s most prolific season in a United shirt came under Erik ten Hag during the 2022-23 campaign, where he scored 30 goals in all competitions and added a further nine assists.
But after signing a £300,000-per-week contract, he endured a huge dip in form during 2023-24, scoring eight and assisting five in all competitions.
Rashford’s decline came amid warnings from Ten Hag about his lifestyle, from being dropped for missing training after his infamous tequila bender in Northern Ireland to time keeping issues.
After missing out on Euro 2024, Rashford soon hit a stalemate with new United boss Ruben Amorim last November and was exiled out on loan to Aston Villa in January.
The Old Trafford academy graduate previously described United as “reactionary” and being in “no man’s land” in a bombshell interview with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in August.
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