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Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has yet to start a single match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after an impressive loan spell with Barcelona. The England international, who has become surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, still earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad for the tournament.

Rashford recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan club last season, but his long-term future remains uncertain. Manchester United are prepared to part ways with their academy graduate this year, though finding a buyer has proven difficult.

Barcelona decided not to activate the €30 million purchase clause included in the forward’s loan agreement, adding to the complexity of the situation. Several clubs from the Premier League and abroad have expressed interest, and United are hopeful that a strong World Cup campaign could boost his market value.

At present, Rashford remains behind Anthony Gordon in Tuchel’s selection hierarchy, having featured only as a substitute so far. The 28-year-old scored in the 4-2 victory over Croatia but was unable to make a difference in the goalless draw with Ghana.

With Gordon also struggling to make an impact, many have called for Rashford to be handed his first start of the tournament against Panama this weekend. Tuchel has now shared his reasoning behind keeping the Manchester United forward on the bench.

Speaking ahead of England’s final group-stage match against Panama on Saturday, Tuchel explained that Rashford has not been as effective as Gordon when starting games. He said: “Marcus is in a good place, but when he started he was not as decisive as Anthony, that’s just it. We had a very good match against Costa Rica with Anthony and the unit; it’s more about the unit on the left side than individuals or saying ‘the winger didn’t do enough.’”

Tuchel continued: “The unit on the left side hasn’t produced the same level of quality as they did against Costa Rica. They were excellent that day. I saw the game and thought: ‘Alright, the left side is sorted, this unit has found its rhythm.’”

“Then Marcus came on the left side together with Eberechi Eze and Djed Spence, and they did very well. So I thought: ‘We have two functioning units; they understand each other and are connecting well.’”

“But when we played the opening match, things didn’t click. I’m not entirely sure why, but the same level of connection, penetration, and verticality was missing. The same pattern repeated in the second match. I don’t know the exact reason, but I still have faith in all of them to improve.”

Tuchel further highlighted that Rashford tends to perform better when coming off the bench, adding: “Marcus is also very effective as an impact substitute, and sometimes it’s good to hold someone back for that role.”

“He has found it harder to influence games when starting, but from the bench, he always brings energy. We’ve often discussed this — you ask, ‘You trust him so much, but what’s the output?’ It’s true, but he keeps trying and stays committed.”

“He’s in a positive mindset. He’s pushing hard and remains a contender to start, but overall, the left side — regardless of who plays — needs to connect better and offer more attacking threat.”

Rashford will be eager to make a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to secure a move away from Manchester United. Although his time at Old Trafford appears to be nearing its end, the England forward still has plenty of football left in him and will be looking to start afresh next season.