Roy Keane has praised Marcus Rashford for becoming the "main man" in the Manchester United side this season following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old, who scored just five times during the 2021/22 campaign, has been revived under Erik ten Hag, having struck 25 goals in 39 matches in all competitions. He is also the third-highest scorer in the Premier League (14), with only Harry Kane (18) and Erling Haaland (27) netting more.
With Ronaldo leaving in November and Anthony Martial struggling with injuries, Rashford has had to step up and be the Red Devils' leading source for goals. He has done just that and is relishing being United's talisman at the top end of the pitch.
Speaking ahead of United's clash with Liverpool on Sunday, Keane revealed how he has been surprised that Rashford has stepped up in Ronaldo's absence and with Martial out. The Irishman added that he has been impressed with his mentality and personality to recover from last season's setbacks.
Keane told Sky Sports of Rashford: "He’s in great form and what’s surprised me over the last few months is that I wasn’t sure Marcus had that personality to want to be the main man, but he has. Particularly with Ronaldo leaving, obviously Martial's injured, and he’s had to take that responsibility.
"The types of goals he's getting, he’s scored a couple of headers recently, and I never knew Marcus had that in his locker. Obviously, we knew about his pace, his skill, beating people, but I think he’s enjoyed the responsibility.
"He's in the form of his life, he seems fit, he seems mentally clear, just focusing a lot more on his football now. There was question marks over the last few years, was he distracted? A lot of people hanging onto him, now it looks like football is his priority and he’s getting his rewards. He's in the form of his life and obviously a huge threat today."
Rashford has scored six goals in his last five league matches, including a brace in United's last top-flight game against Leicester a fortnight ago. Two of those six also came against Leeds - and before the second game against the Whites, Ten Hag heaped praise on his forward.
"Unbelievable focus in this moment," the United boss said of Rashford in mid-February. "He's aware of it. If he is making the right movements that he or his team will bring him in the right position to score goals and then it's about the score goals.
"In this moment, he's in such a flow. He brings it every game on the pitch. So, if he has that energy, those levels, he will score goals and the only thing what the team has to do is get him in that position."
