'Doesn't sit well with me' - Teddy Sheringham blasts Marcus Rashford to Barcelona transfer rumours and claims Man Utd outcast should not be rewarded for 'downing tools'

Rashford's future at Manchester United remains uncertain following a rocky 2024-25 campaign. The 27-year-old fell out with manager Ruben Amorim midway through the season and was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he showed flashes of form but failed to fully rediscover his best. Despite returning to Old Trafford this summer, his status in Amorim’s squad remains up in the air.

Rashford is understood to want out of United, with Barcelona emerging as his preferred destination despite interest from Aston Villa in making his loan move permanent. The Catalan club see Rashford's versatility and experience as a potential boost, even if they secure their primary target, Nico Williams. However, Teddy Sheringham has voiced disapproval, suggesting such a move sends the wrong message after a season in which Rashford appeared to lose motivation at United.

Speaking to Racing Tipster, Sheringham said: “I certainly hope he [Rashford] isn’t [joining Barcelona]. A few years ago, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was seen as the bad apple at Arsenal. Arteta wanted him out, and he ended up going to Barcelona. What a move that is, for a bad apple!

“For Rashford to not want to play at United, telling people after he signed a mega-deal that he doesn’t want to play for them, and yet he’s happy to pick up the money. Now he wants to go to Barcelona? It’s like, 'oof!'.

“I really hope it doesn’t happen. That’s not the way football careers should work, for me. If you’re playing well, okay, look at where you can go. See if you can get a move to a team like Barcelona. Try and make yourself even better.

“But not for downing tools and demanding that you get to go somewhere that’s debatably better than how you’re currently playing. That just doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t think Rashford could say that he has played his way into a move to the Camp Nou over the last few years.”

Barcelona are considering a loan deal for Rashford, potentially covering part of his £370,000-per-week wages. United are open to letting him go, but would prefer a loan fee or permanent exit. With Rashford’s stance firm and Amorim not planning to rebuild around him, talks could accelerate soon, though United legend Sheringham’s words may echo around Old Trafford if a deal materialises.