Once hailed as the face of England’s new football generation, Marcus Rashford now finds himself at the center of heavy criticism. Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker claims the forward has lost his fighting spirit, motivation, and the trust of his teammates.
Marcus Rashford — once a proud symbol of Manchester United — has now become a representation of decline and disappointment. In an interview with MyBettingSites, former Red Devils player Paul Parker didn’t mince words, calling Rashford “lazy,” a term rarely used for someone once seen as the future of English football.
Parker, who played for United from 1991 to 1996, offered a blunt assessment:
“Marcus Rashford lets his teammates down. He’s lazy and does nothing. When I played, every match was a fight for survival — that spirit doesn’t exist in Rashford anymore.”
Parker’s harsh words reflect a sentiment shared by many fans: Rashford no longer plays with the same burning passion he once showed at Old Trafford. He appears joyless on the pitch, moving without energy or drive.
According to Parker, the problem lies in Rashford’s lack of discipline and motivation, which has eroded the trust of his teammates.
“How many players in England would want Rashford in their team? None. They won’t say it out loud, but deep down, they don’t trust him anymore,” he added.
Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, with a €30 million buyout clause. However, Parker believes his long-term future at Camp Nou looks bleak.
“He’s been okay, but not good enough for a Champions League final. With players like Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski, Rashford just doesn’t belong in that category,” Parker said.
So far, Rashford’s performances in La Liga have been underwhelming. He’s struggled to adapt to Barcelona’s fast-paced, high-pressing style. His once-explosive speed seems dulled by self-doubt and mental fatigue. At 28, rather than entering his prime, Rashford is battling to rediscover the player he used to be.
Beyond the pitch, Rashford’s focus on off-field matters has also drawn criticism. Parker implied the forward has been “doing politics more than football.” Indeed, Rashford earned national praise for his social campaigns, such as lobbying the UK government to provide free school meals for underprivileged children. But his frequent media appearances and involvement in social causes have, in Parker’s view, distracted him from his professional form.
Before heading to Spain, Rashford endured a dark spell at Manchester United. Under coach Rúben Amorim, he was dropped from the long-term project due to poor professionalism. That led to loan spells at Aston Villa and now Barcelona — a steep fall for a player once celebrated for his loyalty to the Red Devils.
Parker expressed his deep disappointment:
“If you can’t give your all to the club that raised you, and you’re fine letting teammates down, that says everything. He’s in a bad place mentally — he doesn’t believe in himself anymore.”
Parker’s remarks, though cutting, carry a sting of truth. Rashford was once a hero to United fans — a model of ambition and passion. But after years of internal turmoil, injuries, and pressure, he seems to have lost his identity.
The real question now isn’t whether Rashford still has the talent to bounce back — but whether he still has the will to fight for his career. In elite football, skill alone isn’t enough; the true measure of greatness lies in mental strength and relentless determination.
Parker ended his comments with a bitter note:
“I don’t forget, and I don’t forgive Rashford. He’s talented, but he’s lazy. And no one wants to play alongside a player like that.”
Rashford’s story is no longer just a Manchester United issue — it’s a cautionary tale for every young player: the spotlight fades fast when you stop working to deserve it.