According to Football365 on Monday, October 19, 2026, talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook has questioned whether the England international can rediscover the form that once made him one of Manchester United’s most influential attacking players.

Rashford’s future at Old Trafford had been uncertain before his return from a loan spell at Barcelona. However, manager Michael Carrick reportedly remained open to bringing the forward back into the squad, creating another opportunity for him to establish himself at the club.

Despite this, Crook believes Rashford may struggle to reproduce the performances he delivered during the 2022/23 campaign. During that season, the forward scored 30 goals across all competitions under former manager Erik ten Hag, earning himself a lucrative contract.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Crook questioned whether that campaign represented the peak of Rashford’s career.

“I think he’s probably peaked, you know, that season when he scored so many goals under Erik ten Hag (2022/23) and convinced them to give him this huge, big-money contract, which has been a real problem for the football club.”

The journalist suggested that the financial terms of Rashford’s reported contract could be contributing to the challenges surrounding his position at Manchester United. The forward is reportedly earning approximately £300,000 per week, a figure Crook believes could create dissatisfaction among some of his teammates.

“I think his return has been a problem,” Crook added. “I think there are probably some unhappy players in that dressing room because he’s earning so much money.”

Crook’s remarks have raised questions about whether Rashford’s return has created additional pressure within the squad. Differences in player salaries can sometimes become a source of tension, particularly when performances fail to meet expectations.

The correspondent also suggested that Rashford’s presence could affect the balance of United’s attacking lineup. He specifically mentioned Matheus Cunha, indicating that the forward’s role and opportunities could be influenced by the England international’s return.

However, the claims remain Crook’s assessment rather than confirmed evidence of conflict among Manchester United players. No specific teammate has been identified as publicly expressing dissatisfaction with Rashford’s wages or presence.

For Rashford, the priority will be to demonstrate that he can still make a meaningful contribution to the team. Consistent performances, improved goal involvement and a clear role in Carrick’s plans could help silence criticism surrounding his return.

Manchester United will also need to ensure that their attacking options work effectively together as they attempt to improve their results. Whether Rashford can regain his previous form remains uncertain, but his performances in the coming weeks are likely to influence the debate over his future at Old Trafford.