Wayne Rooney Fires Back at Marcus Rashford Over 'Inconsistent Environment' at Man United Comment

Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has hit back at Marcus Rashford after the forward claimed that he struggled at the club due to its bad environment.

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has dismissed Marcus Rashford's claims that an "inconsistent environment" at Old Trafford was the cause of his poor form, insisting the forward must take personal responsibility for his performances.

Rooney, United's all-time leading goalscorer, argued that blaming the club's atmosphere was an "easy" way out for Rashford, whose on-field application had visibly declined.

The debate was sparked after Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, suggested he had struggled for consistency due to a prolonged period of instability at Manchester United.

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The 27-year-old England international made the temporary switch to Spain this summer after a difficult season under manager Ruben Amorim, where he managed only eight goals, a sharp drop from his 30-goal haul in the 2022-23 campaign.

Speaking on his podcast, "The Wayne Rooney Show," the former United captain acknowledged the club's recent turbulence but maintained that a player's own effort is what ultimately determines their success.

What Has Rooney Said About the On-Loan Barcelona Star?

"I think the environment hasn't been right, but that is down to yourself," Rooney stated. "If you are not playing well or you get left out of the team, then I think it is easier to blame the environment... I think that comes from how you apply yourself."

Rooney pointed to specific areas where Rashford fell short, noting that his work rate and energy levels were not up to standard—flaws he believes are entirely within a player's control.

"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," he explained. "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."

The legendary striker also touched on Rashford's defensive contributions, criticising his half-hearted pressing. "It's what you do out of possession and becoming a team player, good body language," Rooney added. "If you're pressing, press properly. At United, he closed people down sometimes, but it was half-hearted."

Roy Keane Also Critical of Marcus Rashford

Rooney's critique follows similar comments from fellow United legend Roy Keane, who told ITV that Rashford was "part of the problem" at the club. Keane was particularly critical of the forward's discipline and body language, arguing that as a senior player, he should have been a leader.

"He should have been setting the standards," Keane asserted. "He was part of the problem with the environment, especially as one of the most experienced players... He's got to mature a little bit."

In his initial remarks, Rashford had admitted his own lack of consistency and expressed a desire to improve. "I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent," he said. "But I completely agree, I think consistency is what I need to bring into my game."

Since his move to La Liga, Rashford has shown signs of a resurgence, contributing three goals and five assists in his first 10 matches for Barcelona. Reports suggest the Catalan giants are already considering making the loan deal permanent if his impressive form continues.