Marcus Rashford told he should be embarrassed after Barcelona snub

Marcus Rashford has been warned he is facing the most important period of his Manchester United career after former defender Paul Parker claimed the forward should be "embarrassed" by Barcelona's decision to sign Anthony Gordon instead.

The England international has returned to Old Trafford after Barcelona opted against activating the £26 million option to make his loan move permanent. Instead, the La Liga champions completed a deal for Newcastle United winger Gordon, leaving Rashford to report back for pre-season under Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick.

With his long-term future still unresolved, Rashford now faces growing pressure to convince both Carrick and United supporters that he deserves another opportunity.

Parker believes Rashford has been handed one final opportunity to revive his Manchester United career, but insists the forward has a significant amount to prove after his recent struggles.

Speaking to PariuriX, the former United defender questioned whether Rashford can regain the trust of both his teammates and the supporters.

"The biggest thing is, how can he ever be trusted by his teammates again? He wasn't doing his job properly."

Parker also suggested Rashford has only been given another chance because Barcelona chose not to keep him following his loan spell.

"He has only been given this chance because Barcelona didn't want him."

The former defender reserved his strongest criticism for Barcelona's decision to pursue Gordon instead.

"They decided to spend more money on Anthony Gordon, which Rashford should be feeling embarrassed about."

Barcelona's move for Gordon surprised many, particularly after financial concerns had been cited as one of the reasons the Spanish club were reluctant to complete a permanent deal for Rashford.

The Catalan side ultimately agreed a deal worth around £69.3 million for the Newcastle winger despite having the option to sign Rashford for approximately £26 million.

That decision has inevitably intensified scrutiny surrounding Rashford, with questions continuing over why Barcelona preferred to invest significantly more in another Premier League winger.

Rashford's return gives Carrick an early selection dilemma ahead of the new season.

The 28-year-old has not played a competitive match for Manchester United since December 2024, having spent time on loan at Aston Villa before his spell in Spain.

Despite previous reports of a breakdown in his relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim, Carrick is believed to be open to reintegrating Rashford into his plans if the forward demonstrates the right attitude and commitment during pre-season.

Alternative moves remain possible, with Roma and Tottenham both credited with an interest. However, Rashford's reported £325,000-a-week salary is expected to complicate any potential transfer.

For Manchester United, the coming weeks will determine whether Rashford can force his way back into Carrick's plans or whether the club will continue searching for a permanent solution before the transfer window closes.

Rashford is expected to continue pre-season with Manchester United while Carrick evaluates his role ahead of the new campaign. Unless a suitable offer arrives, the England forward will have the opportunity to fight for his place at Old Trafford, although interest from Premier League and Serie A clubs is expected to remain throughout the remainder of the transfer window.