Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Marcus Rashford's alarming decline, suggesting the England international needs to confront some harsh realities about his future at Old Trafford.
The Stark Warning from a United Legend
Rooney, United's all-time record goalscorer, didn't hold back in his analysis of Rashford's current predicament. Following another disappointing season that saw Rashford score just eight goals across all competitions, Rooney believes the 26-year-old must have a serious conversation with manager Erik ten Hag about whether he still fits into the Dutchman's long-term plans.
'He's not a child anymore,' Rooney emphasised during his appearance on The Overlap. 'There comes a point where you have to look at yourself and acknowledge this isn't good enough.'
A Dramatic Fall from Grace
The contrast with last season's form couldn't be more striking. After netting 30 goals during the 2022-23 campaign and earning a lucrative new contract, Rashford's dramatic drop-off has left fans and pundits alike questioning what's gone wrong.
Rooney pointed to the fundamental issue: 'His body language doesn't look great,' he observed. 'It's easy to see he's not enjoying his football. When you're not playing well, the first thing that suffers is your work rate off the ball.'
The Harsh Reality Check
The former United captain suggested that Rashford might need to consider his options if he can't rediscover his best form under ten Hag's management. 'Sometimes you have to be honest with yourself,' Rooney stated. 'If the manager doesn't want to build around you, then you might need to make a difficult decision.'
This frank assessment comes amid growing speculation about Rashford's future, with PSG previously showing interest in the academy graduate. However, Rooney believes the solution might lie closer to home, urging Rashford to refocus on the basics that made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.
What Next for United's Homegrown Star?
As Manchester United prepare for a crucial summer of rebuilding, Rashford finds himself at a career crossroads. Rooney's comments highlight the growing concern that time is running out for the England international to fulfil his undoubted potential and establish himself as a genuine United great.
The coming months will prove decisive in determining whether Rashford can silence his critics or whether Rooney's sobering assessment proves prophetic.
