Marcus Rashford ‘should be embarrassed’ as Man Utd transfer option comes to light | Football | Sport

Marcus Rashford has been told that he “should be embarrassed” ahead of his return to Manchester United for the new campaign. The forward is poised to rejoin Michael Carrick‘s squad after coming back from international duty, having represented England at this summer’s World Cup. He wasn’t expected to play for United again, but that has emerged as a possibility after Barcelona decided against signing him on a permanent basis.

They chose not to activate the £26m purchase clause in his loan agreement, instead bringing in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle. It leaves Rashford’s immediate future in limbo, with a United comeback now among the options available to him. Alternatively, it’s been reported by talkSPORT that he could join Tottenham, who are thought to be weighing up a potential move for his signature.

Paul Parker, who won two Premier League titles as a United player in the 1990s, believes Rashford should feel embarrassed that Barcelona decided to sign Gordon instead of him.

He also laid out the challenge Rashford faces in regaining the trust of his Red Devils team-mates, having not played for the club since 2024.

Parker 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.

“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.”

Gordon’s move to Barcelona prompted widespread surprise, especially considering earlier suggestions that the Barcelona’s financial difficulties were a key factor behind their inability to pursue Rashford.

Other potential destinations continue to be examined for Rashford, with Roma thought to hold an interest in the attacker as well as Tottenham.

However, his wage expectations are set to represent a significant obstacle for practically any club weighing up an offer.

Rashford sits as United’s top earner on £325,000 per week following their qualification for the Champions League.

“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.”

Prior to his recent loan spells at Barcelona and Aston Villa, Rashford was reported to have experienced a deterioration in his relationship with former United boss Ruben Amorim.

That said, Carrick will have his own rapport with the player and is believed to be keen on including him in the squad.

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