Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United this summer in an uncertain state as he links up with Michael Carrick's side. The 28-year-old has been told he "should be embarrassed" ahead of his Old Trafford comeback by former Manchester United star Paul Parker.
Barcelona's decision
Barcelona decided against triggering the £26 million permanent transfer option in Rashford's loan deal. Instead, they recruited Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as Rashford's England team-mate took his place at the Camp Nou.
Parker's criticism
Two-time Premier League champion Paul Parker believes Rashford is on "absolutely his last chance" as he awaits a potential Premier League comeback. Parker said he must "prove a point" if he is to win back supporters and possibly some of his dressing room colleagues.
Parker told PariuriX: "The biggest thing is, how can he ever be trusted by his teammates again? He wasn't doing his job properly but everyone allowed him to do it [and] now they have figured him out."
"Back in my time you would have been grabbed by one of the senior players and they would do something to you which you wouldn't find very funny."
"He has been given this small chance to come back again and honestly he has only been given this chance because of the fact that Barcelona didn't want him. They decided to spend more money on Anthony Gordon, which Rashford should be feeling embarrassed about. The moment they spent that much money on Gordon, he should be embarrassed."
Financial aspects
Gordon's £69.3 million switch to Barcelona raised eyebrows, particularly given earlier reports suggesting the Catalan club's financial constraints were a primary reason for their failure to pursue Rashford. Barcelona could have secured Rashford for nearly a third of that sum.
Alternative destinations
Alternative destinations are still being explored for Rashford, whose last outing for United was in December 2024. Roma are said to be keen on the forward, while Tottenham have also been linked with a potential move. However, the winger's salary demands are likely to prove a considerable stumbling block for virtually any club considering a bid. Rashford is United's highest earner on wages of £325,000 a week following their return to the Champions League.
Proving himself
"If he is serious about wanting to prove himself again, it will be a serious challenge for him," Parker continued. "Because the fans won't accept him just after one game or one goal, he needs to work hard consistently."
"How does he conduct himself when he is sitting at the bench watching the matches? How is he conducting himself in the training and socially? That is one of the big issues and a big reason that he is where he is."
"There is a lot for him to do and to prove to be perfectly honest and this is his last chance. Absolutely his last chance."
Carrick's stance
Before his recent loan moves to Barcelona and Aston Villa, Rashford was reported to have had a breakdown in relations with former United manager Ruben Amorim. Nevertheless, Carrick will have his own connection with the player and is understood to want him as part of the squad.
