Wayne Rooney has hit back at Marcus Rashford's suggestion that Manchester United's 'inconsistent environment' was to blame for his struggles.
The United legend, now a BBC pundit, argued that Rashford must take responsibility for his own performances, claiming it was 'an easy one' to blame the surroundings at Old Trafford for poor form.
Rashford, 27, reignited the debate after suggesting he had been playing in an unstable atmosphere for 'a very long time' before leaving United.
The England international joined Barcelona on loan in the summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, having scored just eight goals last season following his 30-goal campaign in 2022-23.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United captain said he understood the challenges of playing in a turbulent club but stressed that application, not environment, defines a player's consistency.
'I think the environment hasn't been right but that is down to yourself,' he said. 'If you are not playing well or you get left out of the team then I think it is easier to blame the environment and whether that is right or wrong. I think that comes from how you apply yourself.'
Rooney added that Rashford's energy levels and work rate had dipped, arguing that such shortcomings could not be pinned on anyone else.
'In games we have seen with him where we know he can do more, we know he can run more - that is nothing to do with an environment,' he said. 'I might be wrong here, I really like Marcus as a lad and as a person but I think that is an easy one to throw at people.'
The former England striker reflected that Rashford had been given ample opportunity to prove himself at United but must now back up his talent with effort.
'He's got the stats to back it up, we know he's a handful and puts people on the back foot,' Rooney said. 'But it's what you are out of possession and becoming a team player, good body language.
'If you're pressing, press properly. At United he closed people down sometimes but it was half-hearted.'
Rooney's comments came days after Roy Keane also criticised Rashford's remarks, accusing him of being 'part of the problem' at United and arguing that his body language and discipline had frustrated team-mates.
'He should have been setting the standards,' Keane told ITV. 'He was part of the problem with the environment, especially as one of the most experienced players.'
Keane, who captained United under Sir Alex Ferguson, went further, urging Rashford to mature and stop leaning on excuses.
'If you're part of the environment and you're causing problems at the club by being late and not being a top pro, then you're part of the problem,' he said.
'He's got to mature a little bit. He's 27 so there's plenty of time for him and I don't begrudge him another chance.'
In his original comments, Rashford acknowledged his inconsistency and vowed to 'put it right', saying: 'I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent.
'But I completely agree, I think consistency is what I need to bring into my game.'
Rashford's loan spell in Spain has so far revived his form, with the forward scoring three goals and providing five assists in 10 appearances for Barcelona.
According to reports, the Catalan club are already exploring a permanent move next summer if his performances continue.