Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United’s first team plans after his loan spell at Barcelona ended earlier this summer. The England forward has not played for United in the Premier League since December 2024, but he is now expected to be fully reintegrated into Michael Carrick’s squad.
Barcelona decided against using their £26m option to sign Rashford permanently. For much of last season, a return to Old Trafford appeared unlikely, especially after his temporary spells with Aston Villa and then Barcelona, but the situation has changed.
United are continuing their pre season work in Dublin, where they face Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday.
Rashford gives Carrick another attacking option
Rashford’s return could prove useful for a Manchester United attack that still has several questions to answer before the new campaign begins.
The 28 year old can operate from the left wing or through the centre, giving Carrick greater flexibility. Benjamin Sesko has not yet appeared during pre season while recovering from injury, while there is still uncertainty over the role that best suits Patrick Dorgu.
United had been considering adding another forward during the summer window, but Rashford’s return provides an experienced alternative without requiring another immediate signing.
He has scored 87 goals across 287 Premier League appearances and offers a more direct attacking style than Matheus Cunha, particularly when starting from the left side.
Carrick has indicated that Rashford will be treated as part of the squad rather than as a player waiting for another move. The United head coach confirmed that the entire group would be together in Dublin and that Rashford would be included in those preparations.
Carrick could be important to Rashford’s revival
The major question is whether Rashford can rediscover the level he reached after the 2022 World Cup. His form declined before his move to Aston Villa, while his status within the United squad also weakened under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Carrick, however, has known Rashford for many years and understands his development at Old Trafford better than most coaches.
He was United captain in 2016 when the then 18 year old Rashford came off the bench against FC Midtjylland and scored twice on his senior debut. Carrick later worked on the coaching staffs of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during periods when Rashford was an important part of the team.
That history could help Carrick rebuild the forward’s confidence and find a role that suits his strengths.
A possible reunion with Amorim awaits
Rashford will now be fully involved as Manchester United continue their preparations in Dublin. Wednesday’s friendly against Leeds is expected to arrive too soon for him to feature, but his return to action may not be far away.
United’s next friendly presents an interesting possibility. They face Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in Wroclaw on Saturday, which could give Rashford the chance to play against the coach who oversaw his temporary departure from Old Trafford.
After two loan spells and a lengthy absence from United’s Premier League side, Rashford now has another opportunity to establish himself in Manchester. His reintegration also gives Carrick another experienced attacking option as the club prepares for the start of the season.
