BREAKING NEWS: “His performance in the match indicates he’s negatively impacting the team’s chemistry. His gameplay was lackluster and disappointing. They should bench him now before it becomes a bigger issue,” said Manchester United legend Roy Keane. He suggested that Manchester United should think about sidelining their 5/10 rated player, who had fewer touches than Onana in the poor Premier League defeat to West Ham.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane, known for his blunt opinions, recently criticized Marcus Rashford’s performance following United’s disappointing loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Rashford, once a crucial part of United’s attack, has come under scrutiny from both fans and pundits for his poor form.

Keane expressed that Rashford’s contribution is harming the team dynamic, describing his performance as “sloppy and disappointing” and suggesting that benching him might be the best option.

Rated a mere 5/10 for his performance, Rashford’s impact on the game was minimal, and he surprisingly had fewer touches than United’s goalkeeper, André Onana. This statistic underscores how disconnected Rashford seemed from his teammates, failing to influence the game in line with his responsibilities as a key forward.

Keane took issue with Rashford’s apparent lack of urgency and motivation, noting that these qualities are essential for a player of his stature. “He’s meant to lead the attack, but he was out of sync and not putting in enough effort,” Keane criticized, asserting that his poor performance weighed down the whole team.

This lack of synergy between Rashford and his teammates has sparked discussions over his place in the starting lineup. Keane’s remarks have fueled debates among fans, with some voicing frustration at Rashford’s lackluster displays this season, while others still believe he has the potential to regain his top form.

Some supporters agree with Keane, suggesting that benching Rashford might allow younger talents like Alejandro Garnacho or Rasmus Højlund to step up.

“United can’t afford to carry underperforming players,” Keane warned, reflecting on Rashford’s failure to meet the standards required for the team’s success. While Rashford has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, his current performance level has Keane and others doubting his place in the team.

This situation now presents a dilemma for manager Erik ten Hag, who must decide whether to persist with Rashford or make the bold decision to bench him. Ten Hag has previously made tough calls on players’ form, but Rashford’s prominent role at United complicates matters.

Fan reactions to Keane’s comments are divided, with some agreeing that Rashford’s recent form has been underwhelming, while others argue he needs more time to adapt to ten Hag’s system. But one thing is certain: if Manchester United hopes to contend at the highest level, they can’t afford any passengers.

Rashford, who recently signed a lucrative new contract, will have to elevate his performance to avoid being sidelined. With a series of challenging fixtures ahead, ten Hag’s next lineup will reveal whether he gives Rashford another chance or decides to follow Keane’s advice.