Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is enduring a mixed 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with England so far. The 28-year-old came off the bench in the Three Lions’ opening fixture against Croatia, scoring the final goal in a 4-2 victory.
Despite his impact, Rashford did not earn a place in the starting lineup for the clash against Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June. He replaced Noni Madueke in the 83rd minute but couldn’t make a significant difference, as the match ended in a goalless draw.
The United academy product recently completed a successful loan stint with Barcelona, registering 14 goals and 14 assists for the Catalan side. However, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain since Barcelona opted not to trigger the €30 million purchase option included in his loan deal.
Rashford is currently considered surplus to requirements at Manchester United, and the club’s new ownership group, INEOS, is reportedly interested in selling him this summer. They hope that a strong showing at the World Cup might boost his market value and attract potential buyers.
After making two substitute appearances against Croatia and Ghana, the England international will be eager for more playing time when Thomas Tuchel’s side take on Panama on Saturday, 27 June, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. United legend Rio Ferdinand has now weighed in on the situation.
Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former defender argued that Rashford should be given a start in England’s next match. “I think there’s an argument for that [starting Rashford],” Ferdinand said. “I was surprised that at least one of those [Rashford or Saka] didn’t start. Maybe fitness could be an issue.”
He added, “There could be something happening behind the scenes, fitness-wise, which means the manager is easing them in gradually. But listen, the next game is against Panama. We’re already through.”
Ferdinand continued, “Do you really need to take any risks if there are injury concerns? I think the first knockout game is when you’ll know for sure who the manager views as his strongest team.”
Ferdinand also claimed that Rashford was England’s best player during the win over Croatia. “Rashford was the one who came on and made the biggest impact. He scored, obviously. He and Saka looked dangerous when they played together—that combination was frightening,” he said.
“I thought Tuchel would try that again since it worked so well. Rashford only got about 10 or 12 minutes this time. Morgan Rogers came on and did a bit too,” he added. “But you can’t always expect the substitutes to rescue the team. They didn’t have the same influence this time, but if Saka’s shot had gone in, people would be saying ‘Wow, that was incredible.’”
During the draw with Ghana, Rashford equalled the record for the most substitute appearances in World Cup history—a testament to his consistent presence in the national squad over the years.
However, his recent struggles at Old Trafford over the past 18 months have made it apparent that his long-term future likely lies away from Manchester United. The forward will now be determined to make a lasting impression at the 2026 World Cup and secure a new chapter in his career next season.
