Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has delivered a scathing verdict on Marcus Rashford’s future whilst speaking exclusively to MyBettingSites.co.uk as he questioned the forward’s mentality, attitude and long-term prospects at Old Trafford.
Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, but Parker believes the England international has damaged his reputation to the point where neither club truly wants him. Despite this, the ex-Man United star believes that Michael Carrick could be the manager to get Rashford’s career back on track.
“No one wants him” – Parker on Rashford
Parker did not hold back when assessing Rashford’s current standing in the game, claiming the forward has left himself stuck between two clubs.
“Well, the thing with Rashford is that no one wants him. He is a weak little boy who has acted that way as well, and now he is stuck. Barcelona don’t want him and Man United don’t want him.”
The former United defender questioned whether a new manager could make any real difference, given the reputation Rashford has built.
“Does it change anything to get a new manager in? It might do, but his antics have been noticed by everyone. How should the new manager be able to trust him?”
Parker believes the issue extends beyond management, arguing that Rashford has also lost the trust of those around him.
“His teammates certainly won’t trust him. That is for sure, so he has a big problem ahead of him. He is still on a contract with Man United, but I think they will do whatever they can to get rid of him.”
He also questioned whether Rashford would be welcomed back by the Manchester United fanbase, despite being a local lad.
“He is a Manchester boy, but he has acted like the club and the city don’t mean anything to him. Will the fans accept him if he returns to the club? I really doubt it, because he wasn’t fighting for the badge when he was here last time.”
Doubts over Barcelona and Rashford’s future
While Parker acknowledged that Rashford hasn’t been disastrous during his loan spell in Spain, he questioned whether the performances have been convincing enough for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
“It is not that he has been horrible at Barcelona. He has done fairly okay, but is it enough for a big club to take him in? Is he good enough to be at a big club? Is he strong enough mentally? I don’t think so.”
Parker believes Rashford’s only realistic route back into favour would be an immediate return to Manchester United in January, where a familiar figure could attempt to rebuild his career.
“I think his only chance to come back is if he comes back now during January, because then Michael Carrick can try to put a plaster on what happened. This is a good chance for Carrick to become the hero as a saving manager who can rejuvenate Rashford’s career.”
Ultimately, Parker feels Rashford has already wasted his opportunities and doubts the player has the desire to turn things around.
“But my opinion is that he has had his shot. He disrespected all the managers, and at the end of the day it doesn’t look like he wants to be a footballer.”
The former United defender finished with a blunt conclusion on whether Rashford can truly change.
“If he were to come back, he has to change, which I think is an impossibility. You can’t make wine out of water.”
For now, Rashford remains at Barcelona, with the current plan seeing him stay at the club until the summer.
