A former Manchester United player has taken aim at Marcus Rashford, accusing the England forward of being “lazy” and “letting his teammates down” during his time at Old Trafford — despite his impressive resurgence at Barcelona.
The 27-year-old attacker has found a new lease of life in Spain after leaving United on loan following a turbulent spell under manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford was banished to the coach’s so-called “bomb squad” during pre-season, having fallen out of favour amid growing tension behind the scenes.
The breakdown in Rashford’s relationship with Amorim reportedly began after his explosive interview in December 2024, where he publicly expressed his desire to leave his boyhood club.
By the time the January window opened, United were ready to move him on — first loaning him to Aston Villa, where he impressed under Unai Emery, and later sending him abroad to Barcelona for the 2025/26 campaign.
In Catalonia, Rashford appears to have rediscovered his confidence. He has become a regular under Hansi Flick, registering five goals and five assists in 12 matches across all competitions, including a standout double in Barca’s 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Rashford slammed by ex-Man United star
But while fans in Spain have been singing his praises, former United defender Paul Parker isn’t convinced. Speaking to MyBettingSites, the ex-Red Devils star accused Rashford of lacking effort and professionalism during his time in Manchester.
Parker said, as cited by GOAL:
“He let his teammates down. He was lazy; he didn’t do anything. He’s got a lot to prove if he comes back to England. How many players in the UK would trust him if he played for their team? We know it, the answer is no one.
“They would never say it, but they would be feeling it inside. It was life and death when I played, and that should have been inbuilt in him, but it isn’t.
“He has done alright, but I don’t think he is in Barcelona’s ideal starting 11. Will he start in a Champions League final with Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski? I think the answer is no. He doesn’t start. Everything about Marcus Rashford seems to be about politics, to be honest.”
While Parker’s comments have sparked debate, Rashford’s performances suggest a player on the path to redemption.
The forward’s improved form in Spain has reignited talk of a permanent move away from United — and perhaps a fresh chapter entirely away from Old Trafford.
Still, his journey from fan favourite to outcast and back to form remains one of the Premier League’s most intriguing storylines. Whether Rashford uses the criticism as fuel or fades again under scrutiny will define the next phase of his career.