‘An old fashioned kick up the a***!’ - Roy Keane offers frank Marcus Rashford advice as Man Utd legend claims there is ‘something amiss’ with misfiring forward

Rashford is continuing to have a hugely disappointing season with United. The striker was accused by Jamie Redknapp of not showing enough effort during the 1-1 draw at Brentford and now former United captain Keane has joined the chorus of criticism against the Red Devils forward.

"I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him, but you look at him and there’s something amiss. The people around him, whether it be family or his manager, who’s on his case every day?" Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. "Who is giving him an old-fashioned kick up the a*** and saying 'Come on, we need more from you'. If you want to be this leader, and you’re on the big contracts, then there is that responsibility."

Rashford has scored just eight goals this season, a huge drop off compared to his sensational form of the last campaign when he scored 30 times, leading to him being awarded with a bumper new contract. He has also angered the club by missing training hours after being spotted having a tequila-fuelled night out in Belfast.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand warned Rashford that he was at a crossroads in his career and urged him to knuckle down and make the right decisions. "It’s a pivotal moment in his career now. He’s not a kid anymore. A lot of people look at potential and talent," he said. "There’s a big decision to make for him. From him, he’s got to look at who is around him. I know his family play a big part with him, which is great, but who are the external people around that? Are they the right people, are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors, or are they saying 'Look at yourself, and be accountable for what you are doing'? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions."

Rashford will be looking to respond to his critics when United visit Chelsea on Thursday in a crucial match if they want to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.