INEOS rebuked as Carrick keeps ‘bang‑average’ Rashford at United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been criticised by co‑owner INEOS after the England international winger Marcus Rashford was retained this summer, a move that former Watford striker Troy Deeney and pundit Simon Jordan say has left the Red Devils with a ‘bang‑average’ option.

Loan spell at Barcelona

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, helping the Catalan giants win LaLiga. The England winger wanted to stay, and Barcelona held an option to sign him permanently for just £26 million, but they declined and instead brought in wingers Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon.

With the loan not becoming permanent, INEOS decided to bring Rashford back into the Manchester United first‑team under Carrick, who guided the club to a third‑placed Premier League finish last season.

United’s handling this season

The 28‑year‑old has made six appearances for Manchester United so far this campaign, including four Premier League starts. One start came against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a 1‑1 draw, after Benjamin Sesko missed the match through injury.

That line‑up saw Rashford on the left wing, Bruno Fernandes at number 10, Bryan Mbeumo also on the left, and Matheus Cunha as the centre‑forward.

Deeney told at 10:09 am on 21 September 2026 that the problem lies in “the number 9 that’s an issue”, adding Rashford has been “bang average – no goals, no assists”. He argued that keeping Rashford disrupts the effective combination of Cunha, Mbeumo and Fernandes.

Jordan echoed the sentiment, calling Rashford “a wasted talent” and questioning why United need him after his “pathetic podcast” and lack of value to Barcelona. He suggested United should have either bought out his contract or let him leave on a discounted deal to free up resources.

Both former players conclude that United’s decision to retain Rashford hampers the squad’s forward momentum and leaves the co‑owners INEOS open to further criticism.