Marcus Rashford responded emphatically to Wayne Rooney suggesting he could be wise to consider leaving Manchester United this summer, as the out-of-form forward slotted home an important spot-kick against Everton, at a time when his United future has been called into question.
Some doubted Rashford’s commitment to the Red Devils when he called in sick for training the day after a night out in Belfast earlier this season, resulting in a hefty fine and an omission from one of Erik ten Hag’s matchday squads.
But the 26-year-old maintains he is more committed than ever to his boyhood club. Rashford’s productivity has dropped off sharply between last campaign, when he notched 30 goals in all competitions, and this campaign, which has seen him register a fraction of that total.
When asked by TNT Sports whether he had any sympathy for his fellow United hero, Rooney said before kick-off on Saturday: “Not much, to be honest.
“He’s in a privileged position where he is playing for Man United. He is the one player that I believe can get my goal scoring record. I hope he does but he needs to hit consistency. He is not having the best of seasons, he needs to find some form and become a leader.
“I don’t think he’s that type of player, a leader. His body language sometimes doesn’t look the best.”
Rooney then surprisingly conceded that it may be best for all parties if Rashford jumps ship, saying: “I think they’d look [at offers for him] but he’s a Manchester lad and I hope he gets back into form and has a long career at this football club.
The hosts were already 1-0 up by the time Rashford struck, thanks to Bruno Fernandes converting from the spot early on. The tricky Alejandro Garnacho proved difficult to deal with as his quick feet earned both penalties for United.
Everton knocked on the door in the second period but ultimately failed to find a way past Andre Onana, ensuring United successfully bounced back from a run of two consecutive Premier League defeats.
