Man United fans make Marcus Rashford decision after spotting something different during first start in 21 months

Marcus Rashford made his first Manchester United start in 626 days as Michael Carrick's side hosted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

After coming off the bench in the shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City, Carrick brought Rashford into the starting lineup alongside Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.

The Englishman was deployed in his favoured left-wing role, with Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo also playing in behind Matheus Cunha.

Following a summer of uncertainty, Man United supporters thought they'd never see the day that Rashford is reintegrated back into the squad at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old was expected to leave the club after a successful loan spell at Barcelona, where he produced 28 goal involvements in all competitions to help them win the LaLiga title.

Barca decided against triggering the England international's £26 million option to buy this summer, and instead captured Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, leaving the talented forward in limbo after spending the second half of 2024/25 on loan at Aston Villa.

Rashford moved to the Villans after being frozen out of Ruben Amorim's plans at the start of last year, with the Portuguese tactician feeling that he didn't give maximum effort in training or buy into his tactical and disciplinary demands.

But despite being regularly linked with a move away from the club this summer, including a potential shock switch to Arsenal, it appears he could stay at United beyond the September 1 deadline.

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That was reinforced by Carrick's decision to start him for the first time since December 2024, with supporters now sharing their verdict on his performance.

Man Utd fans notice addition to Marcus Rashford's game

Rashford came into the starting XI for Patrick Dorgu on the left, who was largely ineffective in the defeat to Hull.

United's No. 9 offers a more potent wide threat than Dorgu, and one fan was quick to point out his pace and directness in wide areas during the first half.

"Marcus Rashford is also giving Manchester United something Patrick Dorgu couldn't provide last week — a real wide threat. He's driving inside, taking on defenders and causing problems," one person analysed.

In the early stages of the clash against Ipswich, Rashford looked bright in wide areas, causing the visitors problems with his speed and power down the flank.

Other supporters also noticed his willingness to track back and help Luke Shaw, too, which is an area of his game that has been criticised in the past.

"Rashford tracking back and winning the ball.. Things you love to see," someone else wrote, while a third said: "Rashford lost the ball and he chased back like a mad man to regain it. These are things #MUFC fans want to see from him. Great stuff!" a third exclaimed.

"Rashford tracking back and tackling?" another questioned, accompanied by the laughing emoji to imply they couldn't believe what they were watching.

A fifth person, meanwhile, said: "Rashford doing this ‘giving it his all’ gimmick for 1 game and he’ll go back to being lazy the next week."

While Rashford showed glimpses and was inches away from scoring early in the first half, United's defence was exposed by a Leif Davis goal before Bruno Fernandes got them back on level terms before half-time.