Roy Keane’s surprise reaction to Marcus Rashford’s interview says it all about Manchester United’s forward

Roy Keane’s surprise reaction to Marcus Rashford’s interview says everything about the Manchester United forward’s current situation.

Marcus Rashford is set to leave Manchester United in 2025 after the 27-year-old dropped a bombshell, revealing his intention to pursue a new challenge.

Rashford, who once lit up Old Trafford with a 30-goal season under Erik ten Hag in 2022/23, has since struggled to maintain his form. Under Rúben Amorim, he has fallen out of favour, with Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes emerging as preferred options in attacking roles.

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Having been with Manchester United for nearly two decades, Rashford’s journey began as an 18-year-old sensation. He announced himself with two goals on his Europa League debut against FC Midtjylland and followed it up with another brace against Arsenal in the Premier League just days later.

Now, with United reportedly willing to accept bids of around £40 million, Rashford looks set to leave the club he has called home for almost 20 years and begin the next chapter of his career.

What Keane thought about Rashford’s interview

Former United midfielder Roy Keane was known for his bullish, no-nonsense approach to football during his playing days, which is a trait he has since continued in the pundit area.

Keane has often been very critical of United and their players across the last decade, and once Rashford issued his interview with a statement of intent to leave, many thought Keane would reply in a way that slams the player for causing a distraction during an important part of the campaign for Amorim.

However, in a surprise twist, Keane explained that he did not mind Rashford’s stunt, explaining that the 27-year-old said the right things, and he agrees it’s best if the player leaves for new pastures.

“I actually don’t mind that,” he said on The Overlap. “I don’t mind what he said, I know it’s a bit long, but I think his message is spot on. Sometimes a deal just works for everybody. It has been going on for a year or two now.”

“He has been at the club since he was a kid. Change would probably do him the world of good for him and his family. Maybe just go and play abroad or wherever it might be.”

What Keane’s reaction says about Rashford

Keane’s reaction says it all. Rashford, once the star man and focal point of a fluid and goal-hungry attack, has now become more of a burden and a distraction than an asset to the team.

Rashford has three goals under Amorim so far, but even with these, his performances have been lacking. There is no clear place for him in the side, as the days of flying and wide wingers at Old Trafford are gone.

Keane has previously expressed that it’s best that Rashford leaves, and his sympathy for the message Rashford relayed in his interview shows that the player needing to leave has now gone from simple fan opinion to almost bonafide fact.

Rashford will always be a Red – there is no doubt about that, and he’s clarified that himself. But, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Rashford leaving for Europe may be the best move for all parties.

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