Marcus Rashford slammed for 'unprofessional' conduct after Man Utd 'quit' claim

Marcus Rashford was dropped to the bench for Barcelona's match against Getafe after being late for a team meeting, with an England icon warning the on-loan Manchester United star

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has criticised Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford for unprofessional behaviour after the 27-year-old was benched for being late to a meeting. The former Newcastle forward issued a stern warning about the Barcelona forward's professionalism.

The disciplinary action from Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick came just days after Rashford's pivotal two goals against Newcastle in the Champions League - his first goals since his high-profile summer switch to the La Liga heavyweights from United. Fears had been sparked after issues plagued his development at Old Trafford which led to his role within the squad diminishing.

Despite being relegated to the bench for Getafe's visit, Rashford entered the fray and set up Dani Olmo for a goal in their 3-0 triumph on Sunday. Rashford secured his move to a Champions League side during the summer transfer window after Aston Villa didn't exercise their buy option for the England international.

Rashford was just two minutes late for the Barcelona pre-match team meeting but falls out of line with the German tactician's zero tolerance policy. Shearer has warned that such lapses in professionalism won't be overlooked at an establishment of Barcelona's stature.

"Rashford can't be unprofessional, it's not right," Shearer told Betfair. "We know that if Rashford is ready and if his attitude is right then there's a player in there.

"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 be late? 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?"

Barcelona stars Raphinha and Jules Kounde have also punished for their lateness by Flick. Shearer's comments come after former Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes accused the attacker of 'quitting' during his time at Old Trafford.

Scholes 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 goal was brilliant.

"I really struggled to feel happy for him, to feel pleased for him. Look, if you fell out with a manager, then OK, but remember, you’ve got team-mates you’re playing with.

"Look, if you fell out with a manager, then OK, but remember, you’ve got team-mates 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."