Roy Keane tells Marcus Rashford how he can become ‘world-class player’

Roy Keane has outlined what Marcus Rashford needs to do to reach his full potential and become a genuine “world-class player”.

The forward has revived his career in 2025 following a successful half-season loan spell at Aston Villa, which helped earn him a loan move to Barcelona from Manchester United this past summer.

Rashford has also been called up for England duty for two consecutive international breaks, boosting his chances of making next year’s World Cup squad after missing out on Euro 2024.

Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by the 27-year-old’s recent performances, but said this week that he needs to show consistency and add more goal contributions to his game.

Keane agrees with the England boss, but argues that Rashford needs to work harder on the other side of the ball to be the best player he can possibly be for club and country.

Roy Keane tells Marcus Rashford how he can become ‘world-class player’

“Well, it doesn’t help, but if you look back at Marcus’ time at United towards the end, there were obviously issues going on. He had one or two issues off the field,” the former United captain said on ITV Sport.

“I think he was late for one or two meetings on a night out in Belfast or whatever, so he was part of the problem with the environment, particularly as one of the most experienced players at United. He should have been setting the standards and showing new people at the club what it’s like to be a Man United player, but I think that’s been well documented.

“What we have to look at with Marcus is he’s got this sort of chance now with England, and he deserves it. No doubt about his talent. He’s obviously fantastic. His stats obviously need to improve if he wants to go to that next level, like Thomas Tuchel just said there, in terms of goals and assists, but he has the talent.

“But the other bit that I think would have frustrated fans, not just maybe England more United, was his body language or not running back or not pressing properly. They’re the stuff he has to tidy up, and if he does that, then there’s no reason why he can’t still become a world-class player.”

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