Rashford slammed by Deeney for setting a bad example to 'sulky' young stars

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has blasted Marcus Rashford for acting as a bad influence for Manchester United's young talents as the Englishman's bad form continues.

Just a few years ago, the 27-year-old was on his way to Old Trafford legend status after reaching double figures of league goals in three consecutive seasons and gaining plaudits off the field with his charity work in battling child food poverty.

But as United's fortunes have fallen off a cliff edge, so have Rashford's and the forward has scored just eight times in 44 Premier League appearances over the last two campaigns as the Red Devils slump into the lower half of the table.

This term, the former England international has struck just once in the top flight, with United languishing in 13th and praying new boss Ruben Amorim can reverse their decline.

According to talkSPORT pundit Deeney, 36, Rashford's attitude is an even bigger concern than his form, and his bad example is rubbing off on the side's youngsters.

He said: 'For a little while now let's be honest he hasn't delivered to the standard that we know he can.

'When I see what happened with Garnacho at the weekend, he scores and he's a bit sulky because a few fans have decided to get on his case or whatever.

'I think that stems from Marcus as well and hear me out on this when Marcus is throwing his arms about and the world owes him a favour.

'What if you're a young player you're looking up to him. Why would you not go "well I'm gonna act the same way".'

Deeney, who scored 47 goals in 165 Premier League games, was referring to Garnacho's lack of celebration after scoring a spectacular late goal to secure United's 3-0 win over Leicester.

Rashford, who has seen six United managers come and go, now has yet another to impress as Amorim arrived in Manchester this week to take over from Erik ten Hag.

The Portuguese is likely to take his preferred 3-4-3 formation with him from Sporting Lisbon and the system will require the wider men in the front three to tuck in as no10s as well as pushing out to the flanks.

This is likely to suit Rashford's versatility more than that of out-and-out wingers Garnacho and Amad Diallo and may give him the opportunity to revitalise his career.

One manager he has caught the eye of lately is incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel who reportedly contacted Rashford's camp to let him know he is a huge admirer.

That could lead to a recall as early as March in the first international break of next year, as long as Rashford up his current form at club level with United.

A source told The Sun: 'Tuchel contacted Marcus and his representatives and told them he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad. He said he believed a big part of England's failure to win Euro 2024 was not having Marcus as an option.

'Other teams fear his abilities and Tuchel said he believed without Rashford, England didn't offer a strong attacking threat on the left and that made them easier to play against as a lot of the ball came down the right.'

The forward would face competition from the likes of Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish and Noni Madueke, who are all in the squad for the next fortnight's games. The likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are guaranteed members of the side.

Tuchel is reported to be of the view that England got it wrong not including Rashford, who has 60 caps for the Three Lions, over the summer.

He has played just once for his country this year, against Brazil in March, but is reported to be doing extra one-to-one fitness work in a bid to improve his form.