Marcus Rashford is in line for an unexpected Manchester United revival after Michael Carrick and his coaching staff decided to reintegrate the England international into their plans for the new season.
Despite months of speculation linking the 28-year-old with a permanent move away from Old Trafford, United are preparing for Rashford to play a major role under Carrick if he remains at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
Rashford is due to report back to Carrington this week after successive loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, marking his first appearance in Manchester United colours for 18 months.
The forward is expected to feature in this weekend’s high-profile pre-season friendly against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden as Carrick begins finalising his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.
The England international returns after rebuilding his confidence in Spain, where he enjoyed an impressive campaign with Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
Although Barcelona explored extending his stay, Manchester United rejected another loan proposal, insisting they wanted greater certainty over the player’s future.
Rather than viewing Rashford’s sizeable salary as a problem, Carrick’s coaching staff reportedly believe the academy graduate still has the ability to become one of the team’s most influential players.
Sources indicate the new United boss is “genuinely excited” about working with Rashford again and believes his return strengthens the club’s attacking options alongside Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee.
His reintegration could also reduce Manchester United’s urgency to recruit another forward before the transfer window closes.
While United remain open to listening to suitable offers, Rashford has little interest in several of the clubs linked with him.
Interest has emerged from the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer and Turkish side Fenerbahce, but sources close to the player say he is not considering moves to those destinations at this stage.
Barcelona cannot be completely ruled out if circumstances change later in the window.
The Spanish champions have already strengthened their attack, but further departures could create room for another forward. However, Manchester United are understood to be unwilling to approve another temporary loan unless it includes an obligation to buy.
For now, Rashford’s immediate future appears to lie at Old Trafford.
The forward is said to have great respect for Carrick and believes the former United midfielder is the right man to lead the club into a new era. He is also understood to be fully prepared to embrace a prominent role if he remains in Manchester beyond this summer.
