Roy Keane did not hold back when giving his opinion on Marcus Rashford as the Manchester United striker looks to leave the club
17:59, 19 Dec 2024
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 1, 2024 in Manchester, England
Marcus Rashford has struggled at Manchester United lately(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has taken a brutal dig at Marcus Rashford after the England international said he wants to leave the club.
Rashford had recently suggested that he wanted a new challenge away from Old Trafford - the club he has been with since a child. He wasn't included in Ruben Amorim's Manchester Derby squad and was instead asked to train that day.
Gary Neville had previously branded the 27-year-old "unprofessional" after he was spotted watching the NBA in America during the international break. Now, another United legend in the form of Keane has commented on Rashford.
Talking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "My only warning for players like that - if you lose that hunger, it's hard to get it back.
"We know that for great players, it's nothing to do with money - it's about the next challenge, and your pride.
Roy Keane on the Stick to Football podcast
Roy Keane shared his feelings on the Stick to Football podcast(Image: Stick To Football)
"Marcus seems to have lost his way, and he's lost his hunger. We've mentioned watches and all stuff off the field, and if he's a bit distracted by that, it might be hard to get it back.
"He might get it back with a change of club and scenery, but I don't think he'll get the hunger back at United."
The former Irish midfielder had his own issues when he left United in 2005. In an interview with MUTV, Keane brutally criticised his teammates following a 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough. His comments were deemed too severe to broadcast.
Sir Alex Ferguson was not happy with Keane's remarks which led to the two getting into an argument. The ex-midfielder already had a broken foot and was nearing the end of his contract so he left the club. This might be why he doesn't hate Rashford's comment.
Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England
Ruben Amorim actually wants Rashford to stay(Image: Getty Images)
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He continued: "I don't actually mind what he said, although it's a bit long, but it's spot on. Sometimes a deal just works for everybody - it's been going on for a year or two now, there's obviously a bit of talent there and he's been at the club since he was a kid.
"A change would probably do him a world of good, for him and his team and family to go abroad."
Rashford has some potential options regarding his next club. He could stay within the Premier League with teams like Arsenal and Chelsea wanting a new striker. Abroad, Paris Saint-Germain already tried to sign him in 2022, so they'll be on the look out again. And of course, there's always Saudi Arabia.