Marcus Rashford: Ferdinand delivers bold verdict on United star
· Yahoo Sports
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is experiencing a mixed 2026 FIFA World Cup with England so far. The 28 year old came off the bench in the Three Lions’ opening game against Croatia to score the final goal in a 4-2 win.
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However, it was not enough to earn him a place in the starting XI against Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June. Rashford replaced Noni Madueke in the 83rd minute, but failed to weave his magic, with the game ending 0-0.
The United academy graduate is coming off an impressive loan spell at Barcelona, finishing the campaign with 14 goals and 14 assists. However, his future at Old Trafford remains unclear, with the Catalans opting against exercising their €30 million purchase option for the player.
Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season
Source: Transfermarkt.
Rashford is surplus to requirements at the Theatre of Dreams as well, and the Red Devils are looking to cash in on him this summer. INEOS will be hoping that an impressive outing at the World Cup can help attract more suitors for the Englishman.
After two cameo appearances against Croatia and Ghana, the English forward will be itching for more game time when Tuchel’s team face Panama on Saturday, 27 June, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. United legend Rio Ferdinand has now shared his opinion on the matter.
United ace deserves to start
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand insisted that it was time to unleash Rashford from the start this weekend. He said: “I think there’s an argument for that [starting Rashford]. I was surprised that at least one of those [Rashford or Saka] didn’t start. Maybe fitness could be an issue.”
“There could be stuff going on behind the scenes, fitness-wise, meaning that he’s bedding them in slowly. But listen, the next game is against Panama. We’re through.”
“Do you need to take any risks if there are any injury situations going on? I think the first knockout game that’s when you know he’s playing. That’s when you know who he feels are his best team.”
Rashford was England’s best player against Croatia
Ferdinand went on to claim that Rashford was England’s best player in the win over Croatia. He continued: “Yeah, well, Rashford was the one I thought who came on [against Croatia] and was the best player when he came on. He scored, obviously. Like, if [he] and Saka were good, I thought, in tandem when they came on, that is scary.”
“And I thought he [Tuchel] would have just used that again because it worked so well. Rashford got 10 minutes, 12 minutes the rest of the time, I think, maybe. Morgan Rogers came on; he had done a little bit here.”
“But yeah, we can’t expect the substitutes every game to be pulling us out of it, you hope. But they didn’t have the impact this time that they had last time. But again, it could be different. If Saka’s shot goes in, then you go, ‘Wow, unreal.’”
Rashford equalled the record for the most substitute appearances in World Cup history during the draw against Ghana.
Final Thoughts
Rashford’s time at Old Trafford has taken an unfortunate turn in the past 18 months, and it is already clear that his future lies elsewhere. The Englishman will now be desperate to make a mark at the 2026 World Cup and secure a fresh start to his career next season.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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