Manchester United icon Roy Keane has not held back about a current star in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Roy Keane did not hold back when discussing a Manchester United star. (Image: Stick to Football.)

Manchester United icon Roy Keane has claimed that Marcus Rashford needs a “kick up the a**e” to help jolt his career back to life. The England forward enjoyed an incredible 2022/23 season with 30 goals in all competitions, but has failed to back up that form in Erik ten Hag’s second year at Old Trafford.

 

Rashford’s dip in form has seen United become a much weaker attacking force than their rivals. The Red Devils have scored just 40 goals in 29 Premier League games, with the five teams above them all scoring over 60 times.

And Keane believes that a senior player or someone close to Rashford needs to have a stern word with the 26-year-old to help improve his game. The Irishman was known for his no-nonsense approach as United captain and wants someone to get on Rashford’s “case” to push him to another level.

“There’s no question mark about his (Rashford’s) ability,” Keane told the Stick to Football podcast. “He’s outstanding – but there’s something amiss with him. We’ve had these conversations every few months – a player can have an off-spell or a dip, but he’s certainly not enjoying his football.

Marcus Rashford has been given advice to address his Manchester United form. (Image: Getty)

“I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him, but you look at him and there’s something amiss. The people around him, whether it be family or his manager, who’s on his case every day. Who is giving him an old-fashioned kick up the a**e and saying ‘Come on, we need more from you’. If you want to be this leader, and you’re on the big contracts, then there is that responsibility.

“I don’t think that is happening, I don’t think there is anybody on his case. That doesn’t mean to say he still can’t produce and start running a bit more. He’s been at the club a long time, since he was a kid.”

Rio Ferdinand suggested that Marcus Rashford takes a close look at his allies. (Image: Stick to Football.)

Rio Ferdinand, a guest on the podcast with Keane, insisted that like any footballer Rashford’s age, he is expected to make mistakes. Though suggested that the forward needs to look within his camp to determine whether they are the correct group to spur him on.

“It’s a pivotal moment in his (Rashford’s) career now,” Ferdinand added. “He’s not a kid anymore. A lot of people look at potential and talent. He’s 26 – what were you (the panel) doing at 26? We were still making mistakes, don’t get me wrong, but on the football pitch you had it locked down, you knew what you were doing, you knew what you were about, who you were.

“There’s a big decision to make for him. From him, he’s got to look at who is around him. I know his family play a big part with him, which is great, but who are the external people around that?

“Are they the right people, are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors, or are they saying, ‘Look at yourself, and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.

“He’ll need to either decide to get rid of them and stay in Manchester or leave Manchester and get rid of those people. It might be an accumulation of different things, but that could be a big part because the people around you do have a big influence on how you are – especially accountability.”