Wayne Rooney believes Marcus Rashford could break his Manchester United goalscoring record, but only if he knuckles down at Old Trafford. The Red Devils forward is set to return to United this summer following loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The Spanish side had the option to sign him permanently, but chose not to, that decision leaving Rashford in the uncomfortable position of attempting to relaunch his United career 18 months after his last appearance.
Rooney's advice
Despite that, Rooney still believes he could surpass his long-standing club record of 253 goals, but only if he works harder. Rashford currently has 138 goals to his name for the club and sits 15th in their all-time top scorers list.
Speaking on the Rest is United podcast, Rooney said: “I think his work rate has to improve. But if he wants to be at the football club, he just needs to knuckle down.”
“He’s a young lad, he’s from Manchester… he’s the one player who can go and get my goalscoring record.”
Stay and thrive
Rashford has continued to be linked with moves away from United this summer, but Rooney has urged him to stay and thrive under Michael Carrick. He added: “He’s got a manager who he’s played with, he knows, he respects. He’s from Manchester, he’s a Man Utd fan.”
“He’s got the opportunity to restart his Man Utd career. It is crazy that he would want to go anywhere else. Absolutely crazy.”
“He’s not that far away from my goalscoring record, so whatever has happened before with previous managers, the club, whatever, he has to just say, ‘I’m a very lucky lad, I’ve got the opportunity to still be here at Man Utd and actually start again.’”
Take responsibility
Rooney also stressed the importance of Rashford taking responsibility, saying: “It’s on him, nobody else. He’s got nobody left to blame. He has to take responsibility because if not, the fans will turn on him very quick.”
