'There's no one better': Rashford returns to Man Utd squad as Carrick prepares reunion in Dublin
The forward has not played for United in the Premier League since December 2024. Michael Carrick, who was captain for Rashford's debut in 2016, confirmed: "Marcus is part of that" full squad heading to Dublin.
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All eyes will be on Marcus Rashford this week as the forward is fully reintegrated into the Manchester United squad for the first time since December 2024.
Rashford has not featured for United in the Premier League in 20 months, having had loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Barcelona chose not to activate their £26 million option to buy him permanently this summer, instead signing Anthony Gordon for £75 million.
Michael Carrick confirmed Rashford's inclusion in the full squad travelling to Dublin this week. "We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together. Marcus is part of that," Carrick said.
Why is Carrick the right man for this?
There is hardly anyone better placed to understand and coach Rashford than Carrick. He was captain at Old Trafford in 2016 when an 18-year-old Rashford came off the bench to score a brace against FC Midtjylland. He was also part of Jose Mourinho's and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching staff when Rashford was a key part of the squad.
Rashford had fallen out of favour with the last two United managers in Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. But Carrick's relationship with him stretches back a decade.
What does Rashford offer?
A player with 87 Premier League goals in 287 appearances and a direct, explosive profile on the left wing. With Benjamin Sesko still recovering from injury and questions remaining over Patrick Dorgu's best position, Rashford provides Carrick with a much-needed option.
Ashley Young said: "There is no one better as a winger than Marcus Rashford. I think Michael Carrick will get the best out of him."
When could he play?
Wednesday's game against Leeds at Croke Park is expected to come too early. But Saturday's friendly against AC Milan in Wroclaw could see a reunion with Ruben Amorim, the manager who orchestrated his temporary exit.
What do fans think?
Opinion is sharply divided. Some welcome him back, with one fan writing: "Welcome him back with open arms. He left on loan under very different circumstances. Won't take long for the Old Trafford crowd to be on board."
Others are less forgiving: "He walks around the pitch and the lads we signed last year showed what it means to play for the club." Another said: "Bad attitude. Should never be integrated back into the team."
The Premier League opener at Hull City is 10 days away.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United?
- Rashford is returning after Barcelona decided not to trigger their £26 million option to sign the forward permanently following his loan spell.
- When did Rashford last play for Manchester United?
- His last Premier League appearance for the club was in December 2024, before he spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
- Will Rashford play in the upcoming pre-season games?
- He is unlikely to feature against Leeds United in Dublin, but could be involved when United face AC Milan in Poland later in the week.