Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has signalled that Marcus Rashford remains in his plans for the season ahead. The 28-year-old forward is back in training following his summer break after the World Cup. Rashford travelled with the squad to Dublin for their pre-season friendly with Leeds United Manchester United and Leeds United Make History at Croke Park in Dublin Pre-Season Clash, though he did not feature in the 1-1 draw.
Carrick, speaking to reporters as reported by The Independent, described Rashford as his player and said the forward had returned in excellent shape and spirits after just a few days back with the group. Carrick also noted that Rashford offers something distinct that the squad benefits from.
Rashford Could Face Amorim in Pre-Season Finale
United’s final pre-season fixture is scheduled for Saturday in Wroclaw, Poland, against AC Milan. That match carries an unusual subplot: Milan are managed by Ruben Amorim, the former United boss who effectively froze Rashford out at Old Trafford before the forward’s departure on loan. Rashford has not represented United in a competitive fixture since December 2024.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona. There, he contributed eight goals and seven assists across 32 LaLiga appearances, along with five goals and three assists in the Champions League, as part of the squad that won the LaLiga title.
Romano: Staying Put is the Likely Outcome
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, cited by Roundtable.io, reported that Manchester United strongly believe Rashford will remain at the club this summer. Romano noted there is currently no concrete movement from other clubs. Rashford has rejected approaches from Turkish and Saudi Arabian sides, with those options holding no appeal for him at this stage of his career. According to Romano, the realistic alternatives are either staying at United or securing a move to a top European club before the window closes — with the former now the most probable outcome.
Carrick is a significant factor. Romano reported the United boss would be happy to give Rashford another opportunity.
United’s Transfer Constraints Complicate Any Exit
The Mirror reported that while Rashford is still open to leaving the club, his Premier League options are severely limited. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unwilling to sell him to Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester City. Loan arrangements with Chelsea, Aston Villa, or Tottenham have also been ruled out, given the risk of Rashford helping a rival into Champions League contention.
A £40 million release clause in his contract expired on 15 July, according to Roundtable.io. Any interested party must now negotiate directly with United. Rashford has two years left on his deal and could, per the Mirror, use the coming season to raise his market value ahead of a potential 2027 move.
His wages rank among the club’s highest. Any return to the first team would put him in competition with Matheus Cunha on the left side of United’s attack.
