Rooney to Rashford: Only Hard Work Brings Records
Manchester United's former record scorer is convinced Rashford is the only player capable of breaking his 253-goal tally, but demands a complete change in attitude and a return of fan trust.
Manchester United's former record scorer is convinced Rashford is the only player capable of breaking his 253-goal tally, but demands a complete change in attitude and a return of fan trust.
Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United in search of a fresh start, and Wayne Rooney, the club's all-time leading scorer, has sent him a clear message: the decision lies solely in his hands, and the path to success leads only through hard work and winning back the fans' trust. Rooney believes that Rashford is the only player capable of breaking his historic record of 253 goals for United.
In the podcast Stick to United, which he co-hosts with content creator Mark Goldbridge on Disney+, Rooney openly discussed the doubts that trouble him, as reported by ESPN. "It's strange with Marcus, because we know he has the ability, and he's already proven that. But the question is: does he have the desire? And does he really want to play for Manchester United?" Rooney mused.
The former England international believes that the first step toward regaining the fans' favor is changing his body language. "If he wants to stay at the club, he first needs to build a new relationship with the fans. The easiest way to do that is through hard work and improving his body language, because his body language right now isn't good, and maybe he needs to work with someone who can help him improve it," Rooney urged.
Rashford currently sits 15th on United's all-time scoring list with 138 goals. Rooney, who finished his career at the club with 253 goals, sees the young forward as the only potential successor. "He needs to raise his work rate, but he's still young and he's from Manchester. That's why I see him as the only player capable of breaking my goal-scoring record with United," he explained.
Rashford last played for United in December 2024, when he fell out of favor under then-manager Ruben Amorim. Two loan spells followed, at Aston Villa and Barcelona, after which he returned to Old Trafford. Barcelona did not trigger the option to make his move permanent, and Rashford fought his way back into the plans of current manager Michael Carrick during pre-season.
Rooney is clear in his desire for Rashford to stay and succeed at United. "I don't want to see Marcus shining at Aston Villa or Barcelona. I want him to succeed and score goals with Manchester United, but that requires him to keep his head down, work as hard as possible, and become more positive," he said.
Additionally, he advised him to think carefully about the people he surrounds himself with. "He needs to take a good look at the people he trusts, because there won't be many. He needs to keep those closest to him, go to training, work hard, and regain his sharpness, and if he does that, he'll be fine," Rooney concluded for Goal.com.
