Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is eagerly anticipating the return of Marcus Rashford to Carrington.
The 28-year-old spent the last 18 months on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona, but neither club opted to exercise their option to buy him.
Therefore, Rashford is expected to rejoin Man Utd’s ranks for pre-season, at least temporarily.
Michael Carrick keen to welcome back Marcus Rashford
The versatile striker is currently with the English national team, as they prepare to take on France in the World Cup Bronze medal fixture, following Wednesday’s dramatic defeat to Argentina.
Afterwards, Rashford and his teammates will be granted a three-week rest before returning to their respective clubs.
But while his English comrades know where they’ll be playing next season, the Manchester native’s future remains up in the air.
After all, he has been chased off the club he once considered home during Ruben Amorim’s reign, with INEOS overseeing and approving the measures taken by the Portuguese tactician.
Nevertheless, Amorim is no longer at the club, as he was replaced by Carrick in January.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 44-year-old is ‘really really waiting’ for Rashford’s return to the club.
The transfer market expert believes that Carrick is eager to have the Man Utd academy product at his disposal, suggesting that the latter has a concrete chance of getting reinstated in the squad, especially with the squad lacking a right-footed left-winger alongside Matheus Cunha.
Romano admits that a departure remains on the card, but insists that Rashford would only be willing to leave if he receives an offer from an ‘elite’ club, therefore quashing the rumours claiming that Fenerbahce have a chance of recruiting the player.
Is Rashford the solution for Man Utd’s attacking dilemma
This season, Man Utd will return to playing twice per week thanks to their third-place finish last season, which earned them a spot in the Champions League.
Hence, adding quality depth to the squad has been Carrick’s main priority for the summer, in addition to revamping the midfield.
While it remains to be seen what the market will yield in the coming weeks, Rashford’s stay could be highly beneficial for Man Utd.
| Rashford’s Stats in 25/26 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| LaLiga | 32 | 8 | 9 |
| Champions League | 11 | 5 | 4 |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Supercopa | 2 | 0 | 0 |
The 28-year-old already knows the club inside out, and he now has a head coach who is willing to put faith in him.
The versatile attacker can occupy multiple positions, as proven by his exploits at Barcelona. His return would also allow Cunha to operate in a more central, which is arguably his more natural position, while Patrick Dorgu could return to his original left-back role to support Luke Shaw.
It should be noted that Rashford’s contract (expiring in 2028) included a £40 million release clause, but it expired on July 15, meaning that any suitor who wishes to sign him will have to negotiate with United.
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