Concern with Rashford

Marcus Rashford, 28-year-old English winger, continues without scoring or assisting in his eight appearances with the Manchester United transfer market this season and remained unused in the 1-1 draw against Leeds last Sunday. Michael Carrick explained that the attacker is carrying some discomfort and that the coaching staff is monitoring his workload, although his lack of offensive contribution has also fueled criticism.

Marcus Rashford, without minutes against Leeds and without offensive figures

The latest match left Rashford on the bench for the full 90 minutes. Manchester United could only manage a draw at Elland Road and once again showed difficulties in converting their chances into a victory, but Carrick did not turn to the English international to search for a solution in attack.

However, the benching cannot solely be attributed to a tactical decision. Before the match, the coach explained that Rashford was nursing some discomfort and that the club was managing his physical condition. The winger had started days prior against Atletico Madrid, so his absence against Leeds was also influenced by this issue.

The statistical balance does reflect the struggles of his return: zero goals and zero assists in eight matches, as per the available data for the season. The lack of offensive output comes at a critical moment for Manchester United, who drew against Leeds and are still seeking consistency in the Premier League.

🚨🗣 @alex_crook on Marcus Rashford: "I think his return has been a PROBLEM. I think there are probably some UNHAPPY players in that dressing room because he's earning so much money. "I think it's also been an ISSUE for Matheus Cunha because it's his place that Marcus Rashford took, and you can see that Cunha is SULKING a little bit. "There was such a GOOD BALANCE at the top end of the pitch last season with Cunha, Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Šeško when he was fit. "Marcus Rashford, not on a personal level, but just because those players feel aggrieved, I think he's UPSET the balance of the attack and isn't putting the numbers on the board at the moment to justify that HUGE SALARY.” [@talkSPORT]

— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) October 19, 2026

Barcelona becomes a reference point following his loan spell

The situation contrasts with the performance Rashford displayed during his loan spell at Barcelona in the 2025-2026 season. The Englishman concluded that period with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 matches, figures that supported his ability to contribute both in finishing and creating chances.

The Catalan club had a purchase option of 30 million euros, but chose not to exercise it within the agreed period. The loan ended on June 30, 2026, and the player returned to England, where he remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028.

His return has not yet been accompanied by a recovery of his offensive numbers. Rashford needs to get back to regular participation and convert his minutes into goals or assists, although the physical discomfort acknowledged by Carrick hinders interpreting every benching as a definitive loss of confidence.

Michael Carrick needs to regain his offensive contribution

The coach faces pressure due to Manchester United's results and the team's lack of continuity in attack. In this scenario, Rashford's situation has become another topic of debate: his current performance does not provide figures to support a leading role, but the coaching staff must also assess his physical condition before increasing his involvement.

Information published by talkSPORT indicates that the winger's poor performance is causing concern within the team environment. However, there is no official decision confirming that Manchester United has sidelined the player from their long-term plans.

The upcoming reference point will be the Champions League match against Como, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21. Rashford could re-enter Carrick's plans if his physical condition allows it; his participation and ability to produce in attack will shape the next steps of a situation that still lacks a definitive resolution.

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