Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane played a game of ‘keep or ditch’ on the latest instalment of the Stick to Football podcast, and one of the latter’s answers has Manchester United fans talking.
When it came to what they would do with Marcus Rashford, all but one were quick to say they’d keep the frontman. Keane, however, wasn’t so sure.
Rashford has been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism over the past week, following his dismal showing throughout the Reds’ 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last Saturday.
He was particularly berated for his sheer lack of effort or desire to track back and aid his teammates in defence, with his body language looking nothing short of uninspired. Erik ten Hag clearly picked up on the red flags too, as he opted to drop Rashford to the bench for last night’s clash with Chelsea.
The 26-year-old is on the back of his most prolific season to date, having netted 30 goals in all competitions for the first time in his career. In the summer, he was awarded for his contributions with a lucrative new contract, which sees him earn around £325,000 per week, but since the new term began, he’s found the back of the net on just two occasions.
Supporters and former United players have often tended to give Rashford the benefit of the doubt through his misfiring spells because he’s a Carrington graduate, Wythenshawe-born and a boyhood Red. Now, it seems most parties are at the end of their tethers.
Keane on Rashford: Keep or ditch?
Urged to explain his stance on Rashford, Keane told the group: “Not sure [if I’d keep him]. I wouldn’t be sure about Marcus. His package, the whole package… his personality, his mood swings.
“Listen, he’s a talented player but if you’re not going to work hard and he’s having these dips every now and again. There’s always talk about his confidence off the field, stuff seems to be constant with him. Just turn up every week and do the business.”
