Man Utd legend accuses Marcus Rashford of lacking 'fight' and taking the 'easy way out' in brutal assessment

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has criticised Marcus Rashford after his revealing interview with journalist Henry Winter.

Earlier in the month, Rashford made headlines after he spoke to Winter about his United future.

The 27-year-old was directly asked whether he would be staying or leaving. He replied: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."

Since then, the Englishman has been linked with a host of different clubs including teams in the Saudi Pro League, MLS and around Europe.

Speaking recently to SportsLens, former United man Stam stated he understands why Rashford wants a move away, but also called him out for trying to take the 'easy way out'.

He said: "I can understand why Marcus Rashford is ready for a new challenge. I was in certain situations at clubs in which you are running out of contract or have had two years there and you think it might be time for something new, a new environment.

"Different people in a different country might help you, help boost your career. He has been at the club a long time and in my opinion he hasn’t been able to show his ability on a consistent level for many years, it hasn’t been enough and for that reason I’d like him to stay and find that consistency.

"I think saying you want to leave is the easy way out because it’s been a tough period and he’s faced a lot of criticism for his performances, but we haven’t seen enough fight on the pitch."

Marcus Rashford looks set to depart Manchester United in the near future. Image: Getty

Stam continued: "I think if he was showing that then there would be a different mood towards him and more credit being paid to him. Maybe it would be good for both him and the club for him to move on, but I would’ve liked to have seen him give everything for the club.

"I don't believe [Rashford] is like that [disinterested] but for some reason he's not performing up to the standards that we expect him to be. For a manager coming in and wanting to play a very intense game with his team, you need players who are in good shape, who are confident, or at least are willing to work very hard for the team.

"Sometimes you can play badly, we have all done that in the past as well. But the manager needs to be there and he needs to take measures into his own hands as well and show it to the team that he is the boss and he is in charge."