Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has launched a stinging critique of Marcus Rashford, accusing the England international of committing what he describes as “the biggest crime in the world” for a footballer: not giving maximum effort, especially when things aren’t going well on the pitch. This harsh assessment comes as Rashford continues to navigate through a turbulent period in his career. While Rashford’s performances during Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford were nothing short of remarkable, with the forward scoring an impressive 30 goals across all competitions, his recent form has left much to be desired. Last season, as Manchester United grappled with inconsistency, Rashford’s form also waned, raising concerns about his ability to maintain the high standards he had set.
Rashford’s slow start to the current season further fueled criticism. Although he managed to regain some momentum recently, netting a goal in United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton and contributing to three goals in their 7-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of Barnsley, Parker remains unconvinced by Rashford’s resurgence. In his scathing remarks, Parker questioned whether Rashford has the capability to consistently perform at the elite level, hinting that his form could suffer even more if he were to leave Manchester United. Parker pointedly remarked that Rashford, being a local lad, might find it difficult to replicate his success elsewhere, insinuating that the forward’s struggles could stem from issues within the club itself.
Parker didn’t hold back in his criticism of Rashford’s mentality, accusing him of not putting in the necessary effort during poor performances. “We all have bad days,” Parker said, acknowledging that every player experiences slumps. However, he was quick to emphasize that what separates a true professional is their willingness to fight through tough times. “Even when things aren’t going your way, you still expect someone to give everything they’ve got to make amends,” Parker stated, before accusing Rashford of falling short in this regard. He suggested that Rashford’s attitude has, at times, been lacking, and that he hasn’t done enough to compensate for his dip in form.
Parker’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the culture surrounding modern football. In his view, the sport has shifted to a place where players and fans alike rely too heavily on excuses, with social media often serving as a tool for deflecting criticism and avoiding accountability. Parker lamented the current climate, where people are quick to offer sympathy rather than demand more from underperforming players. He stressed that playing football is not an individual pursuit but a team effort. “You’re part of a team, and you shouldn’t want to let anyone down,” he said. For Parker, it’s not enough for players like Rashford to rely on their talent; they need to show a relentless work ethic, especially when representing a club of Manchester United’s stature.
In Parker’s eyes, Rashford has had “a few decent games” this season, but the former defender warned that this is the time for Rashford to truly step up and prove his worth. He called on the forward to stop making excuses and to take responsibility for his performances. “There’s only so much you can do when people are expected to perform a job, and playing football is a job,” Parker explained. He went on to describe how players who fail to make up for poor displays should feel “haunted” by their lack of effort. According to Parker, if a player can’t make amends for their mistakes, it’s a clear indication that they didn’t work hard enough in the first place.
Ultimately, Parker’s criticism of Rashford cuts deep. He believes that failing to give your all in a sport you claim to love is inexcusable, particularly when you have the privilege of playing for a club like Manchester United. For Rashford, Parker’s remarks serve as both a challenge and a warning: it’s time for the forward to step up, shake off the inconsistencies, and prove that he can deliver at the highest level, day in and day out. Anything less, according to Parker, would be the ultimate failure for a player of Rashford’s talent.