Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on Marcus Rashford's decision to visit a Barcelona nightclub just hours after the team's devastating 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, bluntly stating there's "no excuse" for such behaviour at the highest level of football.
The Barcelona Controversy
The England international found himself at the centre of a storm after being spotted at a popular Barcelona nightspot in the early hours of Monday morning, despite United's humiliating loss at the Etihad Stadium merely hours earlier. Rashford's night out came before he was due to report back for training, raising serious questions about his professionalism.
Rooney, United's all-time record goalscorer, didn't mince his words when addressing the incident. "When you play for Manchester United, you have certain standards to maintain," the former captain declared. "Going out after a defeat like that, especially before training the next day - there's just no place for it."
Ten Hag's Discipline Problem
The controversy adds to manager Erik ten Hag's growing disciplinary headaches at Old Trafford. Despite Rashford attempting to justify his actions by claiming he'd attended a birthday celebration, Rooney remained unconvinced.
"When you're losing games, the last thing you should be doing is going out," Rooney emphasised. "You need to show you care about the results. The fans want to see that it hurts when you lose."
The Dutch manager now faces another test of his authority as United's season continues to unravel, with the club sitting sixth in the Premier League and their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
Rashford's Form Crisis
This incident compounds what has been a desperately disappointing season for the 26-year-old forward. After netting 30 goals last campaign, Rashford has managed just five this term, with his performance levels drawing increasing criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Rooney expressed particular concern about the timing of Rashford's night out, noting: "After a defeat in the Manchester derby, emotions should be raw. Players should be reflecting on what went wrong, not celebrating in nightclubs."
The former United skipper's comments highlight the growing divide between the expectations at Manchester United and the current reality, as the club struggles to regain its former glory under increasing scrutiny.
