Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney insists he does not have much sympathy for Marcus Rashford and wonders whether he should leave Old Trafford.
The England international has scored just six goals in 33 appearances in all competitions this season, after scoring 30 last season.
Rooney is the club’s all-time top scorer and believes Rashford could be the one to surpass his record.
However, he has cast doubt on his future at the club ahead of United’s clash with Everton this afternoon.
Asked if he has much sympathy for Rashford’s current struggle to find form, he said: ‘Not much to be honest.
‘He is in a privileged position playing for Man United. He is the only player who I think can reach my goalscoring record.
‘I hope he does that, but he needs to achieve consistency. He is not having the best seasons, he needs to find form and become a leader.’
Co-pundit Rio Ferdinand said Rooney’s performances while at Old Trafford would be aided by his work ethic.
However, Rooney wondered if this was a characteristic that Rashford possesses.
He said: ‘I don’t think he’s that type of player, a leader. His body language sometimes doesn’t look optimal.
‘Players like (Raphael) Varane and Bruno (Fernandes) should get that out of Marcus.’
Ferdinand added: ‘There’s something that will make you tick, he’s one of the most lethal players running off the ball and he’s got someone like Bruno who can make that pass.’
However, Rooney said it sometimes seems like Rashford wants to do ‘so much’ and wonders whether he should move to another club.
He said: ‘It’s important to have people around you, it can get lonely. I hope he’s not in that position. You play for United and England, so you are under scrutiny.
‘You have to get ready. He’s a boy from Manchester and I really hope he gets back into shape and has a long career here.
“But maybe he should move to another club.”
Ferdinand concluded that he hopes the introduction of INEOS to Old Trafford can help in Rashford’s quest to become a one-club man.
Rashford is currently twelfth on the United all-time scoring list with 129 goals in 392 games.
The 26-year-old is a far cry from Rooney, who scored 253 goals in 559 games during his legendary spell at Old Trafford.
