Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith & Oliver King

Roy Keane slams Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for smiling vs Chelsea

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane criticised Marcus Rashford for smiling ahead of Thursday evening's clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

With Jadon Sancho ruled out through illness, United interim boss Ralf Rangnick made just one change to the side that was beaten by Arsenal last Saturday, drafting Rashford back into the starting line-up. The England international had started just one of United's last three matches prior to the clash with Thomas Tuchel's side.

Rashford has experienced a very difficult campaign, scoring just five goals in 31 appearances prior to the game with Chelsea. His form has attracted no shortage of criticism and his future at Old Trafford is surrounded by constant speculation.

READ MORE: David de Gea says he is embarrassed by Manchester United form

But before a ball had even been kicked on Thursday evening, Keane took exception to Rashford smiling as he warmed-up with the rest of his teammates. The former United skipper admitted that he doesn't like players smiling too much, as well as likening Rashford's performance against Liverpool to that of a child.

"I want to see a bit more courage from him, we have not seen that enough from him this season, he has not been consistent, not worked hard enough, not been brave in taking people on," Keane told Sky Sports. "He is now 24 years old, he has got to show more maturity and be more consistent, that is key for any player at a big club.

"I am really frustrated with him. Every time I see Marcus warming up, he is smiling.

"I don't like it when you are smiling too much. Yes, smile when you do something, but we always said when he burst on the scene, he affects games, but he doesn't do that anymore. He does very little. his performance last week was very immature, he almost played like a child."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.