Wayne Rooney has taken a strong stance on Marcus Rashford’s recent claim, suggesting that the Manchester United forward must take responsibility for his performance instead of blaming external factors.
The former United captain doesn’t believe the club environment was behind Rashford’s inconsistent displays at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 games since 2016 and won five major trophies with Manchester United.
The forward had an impressive 2022–23 season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. His form dipped the next year. The slump led to a loan move to Aston Villa. He later joined Barcelona, where he is performing well. In a recent interview, Rashford remarked that he had been in an “inconsistent environment for a very long time.”
Rooney responded to this on The Wayne Rooney Show with a different perspective.
“I think the environment hasn’t been right but that is down to yourself. If you are not playing well or you get left out of the team then I think it is easier to blame the environment and whether that is right or wrong. I think that comes from how you apply yourself.
In games we have seen with him where we know he can do more, we know he can run more – that is nothing to do with an environment. I might be wrong here, I really like Marcus as a lad and as a person but I think that is an easy one to throw at people.”
Liverpool under spotlight before Anfield showdown
The Premier League resumes this weekend with one of its fiercest rivalries: Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST). United have claimed three wins in their last five matches under Ruben Amorim, giving them a confidence boost. Liverpool, on the other hand, are under scrutiny after suffering three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
“If Liverpool lose four games in a row and lose to Manchester United at Anfield, I think the pressure is definitely on them,” Rooney added.
“I think when you bring so many new players in who all probably have a bit of an ego in their own way, all wanting to do well and trying to find that chemistry with each other, I think that hasn’t quite hit off yet.
Even though they won the first five Premier League games, I think the last three games have shown everyone and exposed the first five games and shown that maybe things haven’t been right all season. I think it is a good reset time for Liverpool.”
High-stakes clash awaits at Anfield
Both teams face different kinds of pressure heading into Sunday’s clash. Rashford’s strong form at Barcelona has renewed talk of his potential. Rooney’s remarks stress the need for personal accountability.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be desperate to turn around their recent poor form and avoid slipping further. The Anfield showdown is set to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
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