Roy Keane blasts Marcus Rashford for being distracted by ‘watches and off field stuff’ as star set for Man Utd exit
ROY KEANE believes Marcus Rashford will struggle to rediscover his hunger at Manchester United.
And he reckons a “change of scenery” will do the England forward good as he looks to recapture his best form.
New boss Ruben Amorim axed Rashford from the squad for the derby win over Man City at the weekend.
And three days later the 27-year-old sensationally admitted he is ready for a new challenge after spending the last two decades at Old Trafford.
That may happen next month if there is interest but there are no guarantees any clubs will make an acceptable bid.
Keane himself left United in controversial circumstances back in November 2005 and feels Rashford needs a move.
Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, brought by Sky Bet, he 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.
“Marcus seems to have lost his way, and he’s lost his hunger.
“We’ve mentioned watches and all the stuff off the field, and if he’s a bit distracted by that, it might be hard to get it back.
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“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.”
Keane moved to Celtic after agreeing to leave United 19 years ago and feels it will be best for all parties if Rashford finds a new club.
He added: “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 been around the United first team for nine years now.
But ex-England forward Ian Wright says it is obvious he is not enjoying it anymore.
Wright told the same podcast: “When you look at how he’s been playing the last few years, he’s not happy. We’ve seen that, with the managers he’s had, different managers and different things going on.
“The fact is, he’s got to a [high] level, and he’s not quite there. I believe that he’s somebody that is continually trying to improve himself.
“Maybe the change, and being a player that’s been brought in and hasn’t come from the academy, he can get himself going.
Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its head
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
“His statement is good – he realises that he has to leave United.
“I will always protect him because of what he’s done – especially off the field – and the community will always protect him.
“But for him, there’s only so far you can go where you continue protecting him before he has to go and do it himself.
“It should happen as soon as it can.”