Marcus Rashford needs an 'old-fashioned kick up the a***', claims Roy Keane... as Rio Ferdinand insists the Man United star has 'big decisions to make' to save his career

Roy Keane has hit out at Marcus Rashford and claimed not all is well with the Man United forward. 

Rashford, 26, has scored 131 goals for United since breaking into the team as an 18-year-old in 2016, but after a stunning campaign last year, he has struggled this time around.

The forward has scored just eight times in all competitions amid a struggle for form, while he has also been marred by discipline issues.

Rashford was heavily criticised in November after he went to a nightclub following United's 3-0 derby defeat by Man City, while he received further criticism after calling in sick for training having embarked on a 12-hour 'tequila-fuelled bender' in Belfast in January. 

Rashford's dip has been accompanied by United's wider struggles under Erik ten Hag and comes at a time when he is supposed to be entering the peak years of his career.

And Keane, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, claimed Rashford and those around him needed to do more.

'There’s no question mark about his [Marcus Rashford’s] ability,' he said. 'He’s outstanding – but there’s something amiss with him. 

'We’ve had these conversations every few months – a player can have an off-spell or a dip, but he’s certainly not enjoying his football.

'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? 

'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.'

Keane went onto claim that despite his struggles, given his background at the club along with his age, there is still plenty of time for Rashford to turn things around.

'I don’t think that is happening, I don’t think there is anybody on his case,' he added.

'That doesn’t mean to say he still can’t produce and start running a bit more. He’s been at the club a long time, since he was a kid.'

Gary Neville echoed Keane's thoughts and felt 'something wasn't right' with Rashford right now, while Rio Ferdinand insisted the forward is heading into a critical period in regards to his footballing future.

Ferdinand said: 'It’s a pivotal moment in his [Marcus Rashford’s] career now. He’s not a kid anymore. A lot of people look at potential and talent. 

'He’s 26 - what were you [the panel] doing at 26? We were still making mistakes, don’t get me wrong, but on the football pitch you had it locked down, you knew what you were doing, you knew what you were about, who you were.

'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.'

During Ferdinand's career, he moved to Leeds from boyhood club West Ham in 2000 for a British record transfer fee, before heading onto United.

And the former defender expressed sympathy with Rashford's position, but also felt he may have several big decisions coming up, including one similar to his own.

He added: 'When I joined Leeds United, I could’ve gone to Chelsea, and they were probably the club I preferred to go to at the time. 

'The reason I left [West Ham] to go to Leeds was because it was out of London, and the external people around me, I needed to get away from. 

'He’ll need to either decide to get rid of them and stay in Manchester or leave Manchester and get rid of those people. 

'It might be an accumulation of different things, but that could be a big part because the people around you do have a big influence on how you are – especially accountability.'

Keane, Neville and Ferdinand were speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.