"The whole thing's going to change" – Former Manchester United star takes shots at 'PR boy' Marcus Rashford

Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker has taken a dig at Marcus Rashford, ridiculing the player's inconsistent performances for his club.

Rashford, who recently missed two vital chances in the FA Community Shield, has lately received flak for his poor displays. The 26-year-old scored just eight goals in 43 overall matches for his team last season.

During a chat with MyBettingSites.co.uk, Parker stated that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has a favorite in Rashford. He remarked:

"The manager's got [a] problem. He's got a player who's born in Manchester and he's meant to be like Manchester United's PR boy? So, the manager might feel obliged to keep trying to flog that one and hope that somewhere along the line it's going to happen."

Parker, who played for the Red Devils between 1991 and 1996, added:

"Because we know that if he has two good games and scores two goals straight away, the whole thing's going to change. And so in today's world now, everything else gets forgotten."

Rashford, whose current deal is set to run out in June 2028, has netted 131 goals for his boyhood club. The 60-cap England international has also provided 66 assists in 403 games across competitions for United.

Despite failing to make the difference in his team's recent Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, Rashford is likely to start United's Premier League opener this Friday (August 16). Ten Hag's side will begin their 2024-25 league campaign with a home clash against Fulham.

Rio Ferdinand delivers worrying verdict on Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shared his two cents on Red Devils-linked star Matthijs de Ligt. He told Rio Reacts (h/t Metro):

"I think it's a big ask for him. Big pressure, big opportunity, but there is a lot of uncertainty over him after his time with Juventus and Bayern Munich. I don't think he's the answer. But it's a great opportunity for him to go in there and be like, 'You know what guys, I'm going to rectify my last few seasons and show you the real me'."

De Ligt, 25, is reportedly close to securing a potential £43 million move to United from Bayern Munich and is set to sign a contract until 2029.

An Ajax youth product, the 45-cap Netherlands international has made 73 appearances across competitions for the Bavarians so far. He has netted five goals and laid out two assists for Vincent Kompany's side.