Rooney strikes back - "It's easy to blame environment"

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has dismissed the idea that Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Old Trafford were simply the result of his surroundings.

Rashford, who has netted 138 goals in 426 appearances since breaking into the United first team in 2016, lifted five major trophies during his time with the club. After an outstanding 2022–23 season in which he scored 30 goals across all competitions, his form dipped sharply, leading to a loan move to Aston Villa for the second half of last season.

Now thriving on loan at Barcelona, Rashford recently suggested that he had been playing in an "inconsistent environment for a very long time."

It's easy to speak now - Rashford took a swipe at the Red Devils

Rooney, however, offered a different perspective on The Wayne Rooney Show. He said: "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."

As the Premier League resumes after the international break, Manchester United will travel to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday. United’s form has been patchy this season, but with three wins from their last five matches, Ruben Amorim’s men might sense an opportunity — especially with Liverpool coming off 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.