Marcus Rashford has had a difficult season with Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has encouraged Marcus Rashford to work harder for Manchester United, saying that should be the main focus for the forward.

The 26-year-old was superb last season but has really struggled for form during this campaign, scoring just five times in the Premier League and failing to score in four Champions League outings.

There have been off-field issues surrounding the England forward as well, with a controversial night out in Belfast leading to him missing training and being fined by the club.

Rashford has come in for criticism, not for missing a string of chances, but for his work rate on the pitch and Rooney feels it is the side of his game he needs to improve most.
The Manchester United and England legend says his former teammate has all the required ability, but needs to work harder for it to shine through.

‘He’s a player who’s come through, he’s got a massive amount of potential and already shown a lot of that, but I think for different reasons he’s found this season difficult,’ Rooney said on the BBC.

‘We’ve obviously seen stuff in the headlines. But for Marcus the main focus is get your head down and more importantly work hard, I think that’s what everyone wants to see.

Rooney was Rashford’s teammate late in his Manchester United career (Picture: Getty Images)

‘His ability will get him the goa...