'Idiot' - Roy Keane gives brutal verdict on Marcus Rashford after Man Utd disciplinary issue

Roy Keane has criticised Marcus Rashford's recent off-pitch antics and insists the Manchester United winger will be in 'trouble' if football is no longer the priority.

Rashford was fined £650,000 - equivalent to two week's wages - and dropped for the FA Cup win over Newport County after calling in sick to training, following a late night out in Belfast. ManchesterWorld understands United were misled regarding the 26-year-old's whereabouts, believing he flew back to the UK on Thursday.

Manager Erik ten Hag insisted on Wednesday that the 'internal matter' had been dealt with and Rashford would be available for this evening's trip to Wolves. But it is not the first time the forward has been criticised for off-field decisions and Keane believes his actions are 'that of an idiot'.

"We talk about him [Rashford], he's a young lad, lots of pressure and he's local, but it doesn't look like he's enjoying his football anymore," Keane told the Stick to Football podcast. "It goes hand in hand, what is happening off the pitch and on it. 

"Football looks like it's a chore to him, and it shouldn't be. There's pressure on everybody there, but he's a big player for Manchester United. He's shown before that he can produce. The cars, the watches, all that is great, but don't forget what comes first – your football. Good luck with all that other stuff, but if that is becoming more important than your football, then you're in trouble.

"He’s 26 – we’ve all been there and made daft mistakes. I don’t think his attitude is one of not caring about the game, but his behaviour is that of an idiot. He’s making a few mistakes on the back of each other. He’s high-profile now, we see people out there on their phones, wanting to ring in and get players in trouble. He’s giving people that opportunity to go after him."

Rashford also came in for criticism in October after attending a city centre nightclub following United's dismal 3-0 defeat against Manchester City. The celebration was for his birthday but the likes of Keane and other pundits suggested a more low key affair may have been for the best.

Rashford was disciplined ahead of United's last trip to Molineux, having been dropped to the bench by Ten Hag after turning up late for a team meeting. The forward came off the bench that day to score the winning goal, one of 30 across the campaign. So far, Rashford has just four goals across all competitions but has scored two in his last three.