Rooney: Man Utd 'environment' excuse does not wash for Rashford
Wayne Rooney feels Marcus Rashford's claims that an "inconsistent environment" were to blame for his Manchester United issues are wrong.
Marcus Rashford should not blame an "inconsistent environment" for his struggles at Manchester United, so says Wayne Rooney.
Rashford was ostracised by Ruben Amorim at United after the Portuguese boss took over in November 2024.
He subsequently joined Aston Villa in January on loan, and is now in Spain with LaLiga giants Barcelona.
The England international leads Barca for goal involvements in all competitions, with seven (three goals, four assists), while only Pedri (24) has created more chances than Rashford (18) for the Blaugrana this season.
Rashford recently claimed that there had been an "inconsistent environment for a very long time" at United, but Rooney – the Red Devils' record goalscorer – feels that should not be used as an excuse for the forward's struggles.
"I think the environment hasn't been right but that is down to yourself," he said in the latest episode of BBC Sport's The Wayne Rooney Show.
"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."
