"Rashford's talent is undeniable. His second goal against Newcastle in the Champions League was truly magnificent," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. "But it's hard for me to be happy for him. The reason is his attitude at Man Utd. When he left, I thought it was a disgrace. He barely tried, it was as if he abandoned the team."

Marcus Rashford celebrates after Man Utd's victory over Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England, 26/2/2023. Photo: *Reuters*

Rashford rose through the academy before making his first-team debut for Man Utd in 2015. The forward scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club, peaking in the 2022-2023 season under manager Erik Ten Hag with 30 goals in 56 games. However, he gradually lost his place and left Man Utd in 12/2024 due to a conflict with manager Ruben Amorim.

During the 2025 summer transfer window, Rashford moved to Barca on loan, with an option to buy for around 35 million USD. The English forward wears the number 14 shirt, previously worn by legends Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry.

Scholes criticized Rashford's perceived lack of effort, attributing it to his desire to leave Man Utd. The English forward played with more determination while on loan at Aston Villa during the latter half of the 2024-2025 season, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists in 17 matches.

"Disagreements with the manager are acceptable, but remember you also have teammates and 80,000 fans every week," Scholes continued. "I saw Rashford just walking on the pitch too many times because he wanted to leave the team. His attitude and the way he presented himself were a disgrace. I think Rashford gave up on Man Utd, and once he's given up, he'll do it again."

Meanwhile, former striker Troy Deeney expressed disappointment at Rashford's disciplinary issues at Barca. Just days after his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League opener, the 27-year-old forward was dropped from the starting lineup for the 3-0 win against Getafe in round 5 of La Liga by manager Hansi Flick for being two minutes late to a tactical meeting.

"I've praised Rashford a lot, but he keeps repeating his mistakes," Deeney said on talkSPORT. "When someone shows their true colors multiple times, you start to believe it. Rashford keeps having highs and then self-destructing. He knows the rules at Barca, but he still broke them."

Deeney recalled Rashford's previous disciplinary issues for being late while playing for Man Utd. In 12/2022, he was dropped from the Man Utd starting lineup by manager Erik ten Hag for oversleeping, but later came off the bench to score the only goal against Wolves.

Marcus Rashford celebrates a goal during Barca's 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 18/9/2025. Photo: *AP*

Despite coming on as a substitute in the second half and providing an assist in the 3-0 win against Getafe, the disciplinary action has cost Rashford his starting position. Ferran Torres, who started in Rashford's place, seized the opportunity with a brace. Lamine Yamal's return from injury will further increase competition in Barca's attack.

Expert Andy Brassell commented: "Flick has always been a strict disciplinarian; many stars have been punished, not just Rashford. The problem is that Ferran took advantage of the opportunity so well that Rashford may have missed a golden opportunity to solidify his place."

Barca are currently second in La Liga with 13 points, two points behind Real. In the next round on 25/9, Rashford and his teammates will visit Real Oviedo.

Hong Duy (*Daily Mail, talkSPORT*)