MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand fired a stern warning to Marcus Rashford amid his struggles this season.
Rashford, 26, has put together a series of hapless performances for United with only eight goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.
That is a far cry from last season’s staggering total of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 matches that saw the forward turning into Erik ten Hag’s main man.
However, the England international has failed to extend his goalscoring exploits and Ferdinand insists he has reached a “pivotal moment” that may lead to him having to leave Old Trafford.
The United legend is adamant Rashford will have to make a “big decision” to either save his future with the Red Devils or his career in general.
The former defender suggests the winger is dealing with the wrong influence from “external people” around him that may enable him.
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And the ex-England international insists he will have to get rid of those individuals and decide whether he wants to stay at United or try his luck elsewhere.
Ferdinand told the Stick to Football podcast via Sky Bet: “It’s a pivotal moment in his 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.
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“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.
“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.”
Gary Neville and Roy Keane also express concern
Gary Neville and Roy Keane have also expressed their concern over Rashford
Gary Neville said: “I don’t know how to say this but there’s something not right. He’s not right. And it’s not just a case of he’s not playing football well, he doesn’t look happy.
“I’m looking and thinking, ‘I’m actually worried about him’. You know when you watch a player and think there’s something there.
“We know there has been a couple of instances where he’s come under a bit of pressure, his form is bad, we know that, but it’s not right that.
“I genuinely would worry about him at this moment in time because it’s not the lad that’s grown up with the spirit and freedom of playing for United as a kid.”
Keane said: “There’s no question mark about his ability, he’s outstanding. But there’s a point with him. A player can have an off spell but I just look at him, he’s certainly not enjoying his football.
“I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him but I look at him and there’s something amiss with this kid.
“You’re on about the people around him whether that be his family or the manager… Who’s on his case every day?
“There’s nothing wrong with the old fashioned kick up the a*s and going, ‘Come on, we need more from you’. If the team’s not at it and you want to be this leader and you’re on the big contracts then there is that responsibility.
“I don’t think there is anybody on his case, but that doesn’t mean he can’t produce and run a bit more.
“He’s been at the club a long time, since he was a kid, pressure effects players, body language, sometimes you’ve got to get hold of a player.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
