Stam questions Rashford's consistency and says United should have signed Barcola

Jaap Stam has questioned whether Marcus Rashford can maintain his encouraging early-season form and argued Manchester United should have moved for Bradley Barcola before the winger completed his £123m move to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain.

Rashford, who stayed at Old Trafford this summer after Barcelona declined to sign him for £26m, has started United’s last two Premier League fixtures following a substitute appearance on the opening weekend against Hull City. His most eye-catching display came in Sunday’s win over Everton, where he operated on the left wing — but Stam, who won the Treble with United in 1999, is not yet convinced the 26-year-old can keep that level going.

“Marcus Rashford has stepped in and done really well, but can he keep that up?” Stam said. “I would have brought in a winger with a lot of pace that can create something.”

The former centre-back also took aim at what he described as United’s piecemeal approach to squad-building. “It looks as if Manchester United are dealing with transfer windows in stages — the attack last summer, midfield this summer and defence possibly next summer,” he said. “But I believe you always have to look at the areas that need strengthening at the time.”

Stam was clear that a new winger was the priority this window, and pointed directly to Barcola as the player United should have targeted. The Frenchman’s move to Anfield was confirmed last week for an initial £106m, with a further £17m available in add-ons.

“Liverpool got Bradley Barcola from PSG and like I’ve said previously, I would have liked Man United to have signed a winger during the summer transfer window,” Stam added. “He’s the type of player we could have done with because he’s got tremendous pace and he’s unpredictable in the way he plays.”

Rashford’s future at United had appeared uncertain throughout the summer, with the club keen to move on his £325,000-a-week wages, which no longer align with their revised salary structure. His performances over the past two weeks have at least given Ruben Amorim’s side a short-term answer on the left flank — though Stam’s comments reflect a broader concern that United’s transfer strategy has left them short of genuine wide options heading into a demanding season.