Former Man United defender tears into Marcus Rashford

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United takes the ball from team mate Bruno Fernandes, preparing to take a penalty, leading to scoring their team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between Manchester United and İstanbul Basaksehir at Old Trafford on November 24, 2020 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has slammed current attacker Marcus Rashford following the Englishman’s injury struggles and poor form.

Rashford, 23, has spent his entire career with United since joining the club’s youth academy all the way back in 2005.

Having made his senior debut back in 2016, Rashford has already gone on to feature in a whopping 271 matches, in all competitions.

Last season was yet another jam-packed campaign for the Englishman who featured in well over 50 matches, including 37 Premier League games.

However, despite scoring 21 goals and racking up 15 assists, one person who feels the attacker has performed well below par is Parker.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, the retired defender, when asked about Rashford, said: “Marcus Rashford was very lucky to start so many games last season, he was really very poor.

“I think there was a little bit of sentiment coming into it that he shouldn’t have been playing. I kept hearing that he’s injured, he’s carrying this injury – a load of rubbish.

“Today’s footballers don’t have to carry any injuries. During my time, yes, because we needed that to make up our wages.

“And we were worried that if we missed a game through injury then somebody else would come in and we wouldn’t get back in if the team did well, but not in today’s world.

“I don’t really want to hear about him carrying injuries. If he was carrying injuries, the player would’ve stopped or the manager wouldn’t play him because the squads are bigger now.

“So he has to prove that he can play regularly for Manchester United because he was poor. Mason Greenwood finished the season brilliantly so he’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t start the season.

“He needs a decent pre-season as such, as he mostly will get now from not going to the Euros.”

Rashford is currently away on international duty with England, representing the Three Lions in this summer’s delayed European Championships.

Despite Gareth Southgate’s men reaching the illustrious tournament’s final, where they will now face Italy on Sunday, Rashford has featured for just 83 minutes across four matches.

Do you agree with Parker’s comments, or are they too harsh? – Let us know in the comments.

Read more: Manchester United winger set for Championship loan