Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United after Barcelona declined to trigger his £26m purchase clause, opting instead to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle. The forward, who spent the last season on loan at Barcelona and previously at Aston Villa, is now uncertain about his future. A comeback at United is among the possibilities, while Tottenham and Roma have also been linked with him.
Parker's Criticism
Paul Parker, a former United defender who won two Premier League titles with the club, told PariuriX: "The biggest thing is, how can he ever be trusted by his team-mates again? He wasn't doing his job properly but everyone allowed him to do it [and] now they have figured him out."
He added: "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."
Rashford's Last Chance
Parker also highlighted the challenge Rashford faces in regaining trust: "If he is serious about wanting to prove himself again, it will be a serious challenge for him. 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."
Rashford's wage expectations are a significant obstacle for potential suitors; he is United's top earner at £325,000 per week. Prior to his loans, his relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim had deteriorated, but current boss Michael Carrick is believed to be keen on including him in the squad.
