Time-keeping row threatens Rashford’s Barcelona spot, warned Shearer
Alan Shearer says Marcus Rashford could lose his place at Barcelona if punctuality issues persist, as the club enforces strict meeting and training on-time policy.
London — Alan Shearer warned that Marcus Rashford could lose his place at Barcelona if his time-keeping does not improve, after the forward was left out of the La Liga champions’ starting XI for a clash with Getafe.
The decision followed reports that Rashford arrived late for a team meeting on the morning of the game, Daily Mail Sport understands. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has instituted a strict punctuality rule: players who are late are not selected, regardless of on-pitch form. The disciplinary stance comes as Barcelona seek to balance a crowded squad with the pressures of defending a title and navigating Europe’s top competition.
Rashford had delivered a standout display against Newcastle United the previous weekend, scoring twice, and had been penciled in to start on the left wing before the late arrival altered plans. The omission underscored the heightened emphasis Barcelona has placed on discipline amid a season in which the club aims to defend the title and meet the demands of a star-studded squad. The incident has drawn criticism from pundits back in England, including Ben Foster, Troy Deeney and Manchester United great Paul Scholes, who have weighed in on Rashford’s conduct as the debate intensified this week.
‘We know that if Rashford is ready and if his attitude is right then there’s a player in there,’ former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer told Betfair. ‘He was sensational against Newcastle. The second finish in particular was amazing. But you can’t be unprofessional. Why should everyone hang around just for you? Why should everyone else be on time but you not? It’s not right. I guess if he wants to stay there, particularly only being on-loan, you can’t do that when you’re at a top club like Barcelona because there’ll always be someone to take your place. It doesn’t matter if you’re two minutes late or 20 minutes late. You’re late and your teammates have to wait for you. Why should they all be on time and you not?’
The comments come as Scholes — who made 716 appearances for Manchester United — admitted he struggles to be happy for Rashford given the circumstances of his Old Trafford exit, which the former United midfielder described as ‘disgraceful’ at the time. Scholes, discussing Rashford on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, said: ‘There’s no doubt the talent that kid has got, it’s ridiculous, he’s shown up in a big game, and that second finish was brilliant. I really struggled to feel happy for him, to feel pleased for him. Rashford fell out with United boss Ruben Amorim last year and has had loan spells out since. MainIy because his attitude, his attitude at United. The time he was leaving, I thought it was just disgrace at United, not trying, basically. Look, if you fell out with a manager, then OK, but remember, you’ve got teammates you’re playing with. You’ve got a massive 80,000 there, whatever it is, every single week that you have to put a bit of effort in. The amount of times I saw him at United walking because he wants to leave, I thought his whole demeanour was a disgrace. I think he actually quit on Manchester United. And once you quit once, you’ll quit again.’
Rashford will look to do his talking on the pitch once more when Barcelona travel to Real Oviedo in La Liga on Thursday night, hoping to reaffirm his standing after the controversy.
The episode adds to a broader discussion about how top clubs enforce discipline within high-pressure squads, and how loan moves and long-term contracts influence a player’s role in a club’s plans. Barcelona’s strict approach to punctuality reflects a growing emphasis on accountability within Flick’s regime, a factor that could shape Rashford’s chances for the remainder of his spell in Spain.
Barcelona’s next test will offer a fresh chance for Rashford to prove his consistency and for the club to assess whether his current conduct aligns with the standards demanded at a club pushing to compete on multiple fronts. How the forward responds in training and in matches could determine whether he remains in Flick’s plans or faces further decisions as the season progresses.
Rashford’s career path has included a series of high-profile moves, underscoring the complexity of a player who has thrived at moments but has also faced significant scrutiny over his professionalism and commitment off the field. The current situation at Barcelona could have ramifications beyond one match, influencing perceptions of Rashford among future suitors and his standing within a club that continues to navigate the challenges of living up to its history and expectations.