As Manchester United head towards their biggest fixture of the season; a crucial clash against Lyon on Thursday, all eyes will be on the potential prize of reaching a European final, which now appears to be the club’s only realistic shot at salvaging a dismal campaign. But while hopes remain alive around European success, the club are already beginning preparations for next season and looking at how they can improve a struggling squad that new manager Ruben Amorim inherited from Erik ten Hag.
We caught up with former United defender Paul Parker, who, in typically forthright fashion, shared his thoughts on what could be a pivotal summer transfer window for the club.
Rashford to Palace? Why Parker Isn’t Buying the Swap for Eze
According to reports, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is currently out on loan at Aston Villa, could be on the move again, with Crystal Palace emerging as a surprise destination. Rashford is said to be open to extending his stay at Villa Park, while United reportedly have no intention of reintegrating the academy graduate into the first team.
Intriguingly, United are also rumoured to be eyeing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze for one of the two number ten roles in Amorim’s preferred system. A potential swap deal between the two England internationals has been floated. While Parker is an admirer of Eze’s technical quality, he believes the attacking midfielder needs to become more consistent to truly shine at the top level. He also remains sceptical about Rashford’s suitability for a club like Palace.
“Eze—there’s something about him. He still needs to find more consistency, but maybe a move to a bigger club could help him get there.”
“Marcus Rashford going to Crystal Palace? I don’t think he could cope with a club like Palace. The demands are different—it’s a proper community club with no big superstars, just a team ethic.”
“Living on the outskirts of London and adjusting to that environment? I’m not sure that suits him at all, to be honest.”
“I just don’t think Rashford fits Palace. It might make a headline, but it doesn’t work in reality. Even if you cut his wages in half, they’d still be well over Palace’s budget.”
“He Doesn’t Fit the Culture”: Parker Dismisses Rashford–Palace Rumours
Despite Rashford’s profile and international experience, Parker doesn’t believe Palace fans would view the proposed swap as a fair deal.
“Rashford for Eze isn’t a good deal—not in theory and certainly not in reality. If you look at the two players, Palace fans would feel short-changed. They’d be losing a player who works hard and brings flair, for someone who didn’t put in the effort for his boyhood club.”
Ramsdale to United? Parker Warns Against ‘Arsenal Leftovers’
United’s recent woes between the sticks have only added to their problems. A week of goalkeeping errors started with Andre Onana’s costly mistakes against Lyon, followed by Altay Bayindir’s error that led to Newcastle’s fourth in United’s 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park.
The club have been linked with a move for Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who could be available at a reduced price. But Parker isn’t convinced a new keeper should be a priority.
“I don’t think a goalkeeper should be the first priority this summer—maybe not even the second. There are bigger issues out on the pitch in front of the goalkeeper.”
“I still don’t think Onana should be No.1. But I don’t blame him for all the goals. Why do the players keep giving him the ball? It’s a cop-out. They hand it to him because they expect him to be brilliant with his feet—but he’s meant to be a goalkeeper first.”
“They’ve already overspent on a keeper who, in terms of professionalism and ability, doesn’t come close to David De Gea. It’s pointless repeating the same mistake.”
Ramsdale, who joined Southampton from Arsenal in search of first-team football, isn’t someone Parker would target.
“I saw Ramsdale’s name linked and thought, ‘Really?’ He wasn’t good enough for Arsenal—so why should United go after him?”
“He’s being shopped around by his agent to stay in the Premier League. But United don’t need to be Arsenal’s leftovers.”
“If the manager gets to clear out who he wants and is backed with £200 million, I don’t think any of that money should go towards a goalkeeper.”
