“A step up he hasn’t deserved”: 1999 treble hero delivers scathing critique of “soul-destroying” United star

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has issued a brutal verdict of Marcus Rashford, asserting that the forward does not deserve to seal a dream transfer to Barcelona.

Rashford pushing for Barcelona move

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Rashford has no future at United while Ruben Amorim is still in charge of the team. The fallout between the two came soon after Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag, ultimately resulting in the player’s January loan switch to Aston Villa.

Rashford’s form picked up at Villa, but an end-of-season injury and the club’s inability to reach the Champions League saw them opt against a permanent deal.

He has since returned to United but is on the market and available for transfer. Despite interest from elsewhere, the England international is understood to have his heart set on joining Barcelona. So much so indeed, that he is willing to take a pay cut to get a deal over the line.

But the move is anything but simple. Even with a pay cut, Rashford would still command a hefty wage that could prove too steep for the Blaugrana. There is also the fact that Barcelona’s preference is for a loan deal, while United are only interested in a permanent transfer.

Things remain in motion and there is still a chance Rashford is added to Hansi Flick’s ranks, but it will take a tremendous effort for it to happen.

Sheringham on Rashford

Amidst all this, Sheringham, who scored in the 1999 final to secure United a historic treble, has had his say on Rashford and he does not mince his words.

Sheringham said [as quoted by Sky Sports], “If you assess where Marcus Rashford is at as a professional footballer, you strive as a youngster to get to the very top and play for clubs like Manchester United, and when you’re there, you appreciate it.”

“You don’t throw it away and say you want to leave. I find the whole episode very soul-destroying, compared to the way I was back in the day and how I strove to get the privilege to play for such a huge football club.”

“To hear someone talking the way he is talking, saying he wants out – I didn’t like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doing that at Arsenal, I thought it was soul-destroying, and I hope Rashford doesn’t get the move that he’s hankering for.”

“From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that’s a step up that he hasn’t deserved.”

Former Man United striker Teddy Sheringham says Marcus Rashford does not deserve a move to Barcelona and finds the situation “soul-destroying” 🔴 pic.twitter.com/wQPuid85KD

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 16, 2025

Rashford is one of five United players who have been exiled from the first team by Amorim to help them find clubs willing to sign them.

The other four are Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images


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Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

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