Roy Keane says exactly how Marcus Rashford can reach ‘next level’ after Man United exit
Marcus Rashford was one of many players to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window, and he is currently thriving at Barcelona.
When Barcelona signed Rashford on loan from Man United, the Englishman would have seen it as the perfect opportunity to return to his best form.
Rashford was frozen out of Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford, opening the door for an exit after spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
The fleet-footed forward has since produced eight goal involvements in all competitions for Barca, including a brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, yet there is still one area of his game where he needs to improve.
Marcus Rashford’s stats need to improve to reach ‘next level’
Ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday, 14 October, Roy Keane was discussing Rashford’s ascent live on ITV.
Keane was critical of the 27-year-old after Rashford slammed the environment at Man United and claimed he was ‘part of the problem’.
“He was part of the problem with the environment, particularly as one of the most experienced players at United,” the former midfielder said.
“He should have been setting the standards and showing people at the club what it’s like to be a United player.”
Despite pointing out his poor attitude as a reason for his recent troubles, Keane did praise the Barcelona loanee, while stating where he needs to improve to reach the ‘next level’.
“It’s been well documented, but what we have to look at Marcus is, he’s got his chance with England and he’s deserved it,” he added.
“No doubt about his talent, he’s obviously fantastic, but his stats need to improve if he wants to go up to that next level. Like Tuchel just said there, in terms of goals and assists, he has the talent, but the other thing that would have frustrated fans, not just maybe England but more United was his body language.
“Not running back, not pressing properly, they’re the stuff he has to tidy up, and of he does that, there’s no reason why he can’t still become a world-class player.”
Rashford has strong competition for England place
Rashford started on the bench for England’s 5-0 win over Latvia, with Newcastle United speedster Anthony Gordon showing why he was preferred.
The 24-year-old cut inside and unleashed a trademark strike past goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris in the first period, and was a nuisance for right-back Raivis Jurkovskis all game.
| Anthony Gordon stats vs Latvia |
| 71 minutes played |
| 1 goal |
| 4 shots |
| 2 key passes |
| 8 crosses |
| 30/34 (88%) accurate passes |
Tuchel has a plethora of quality options capable of playing on the left flank, including Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Everton loanee Jack Grealish, who was unlucky to miss out on the England squad.
It’s why Rashford will have to go to the ‘next level’, as Keane mentioned, to earn a regular spot in this world-class Three Lions team.