Man United make final Marcus Rashford decision as Michael Carrick issues statement
Manchester United have made their decision about Marcus Rashford's future following their pre-season win over Leeds United.
Ahead of his first full season as Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick has had to deal with what has been a turbulent summer transfer window for the club.
So far, United have signed three new players for the senior squad, brining in Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans and Chelsea's Andrey Santos for a combined £85million, with former Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joining on a free transfer.
Several other big name players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, most notably Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, but the deals ultimately fell through.
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However, arguably the biggest story of United's transfer window has instead centred on a potential outgoing, as the future of star player Rashford has been a topic of much debate throughout the summer.
The 28-year-old spent all of last season on loan with Barcelona, and was widely expected to join the Spanish giants on a permanent deal until Anthony Gordon's move to Camp Nou raised questions about Rashford's future.
When United arrived in Dublin for Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Leeds, Rashford was not included in the squad, but he was seen with the team in training and ahead of the match.
And speaking post-match, Carrick has made it clear that, despite any rumours, it is currently United's plan to keep Rashford at the club for the upcoming season.
"He's our player, you know, and he's come back great. He's just like any other player," Carrick said.
"I've known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he's been in great spirits since he's been back.
"He's been back two or three days training and it's just pretty normal, to be honest. And we're looking forward to the start of the season."
The news will no doubt be exciting for some fans looking to see one of the biggest names in United's squad fully integrated back into the squad ahead of a season where expectations are higher than ever.
However, with Rashford believed to be United's highest earner on around £325,000 per week - boosted by a 25 per cent wage rise as a result of Champions League qualification - the pressure will be on the Englishman to be back to his best.
United will play AC Milan in Poland for their final pre-season game of the summer on Saturday, and it's possible that Rashford could be involved in what would be his first appearance for United since December 2024.
Michael Owen names the one factor that will aid Marcus Rashford's comeback
Of course, heading into the season as the club's highest earner will bring a certain level of pressure for Rashford in the 2026/27 season, with the Englishman needing to start well to avoid massive criticism.
But, according to former United forward Owen, he has every chance to do so under the guidance of Carrick, who Owen backs as the only one who can 'smooth over' what has been a rocky couple of years for Rashford and United's relationship.
"It's a really interesting one, isn't it?" Owen exclusively told SPORTbible.
"Because if there's anybody that can smooth over something, it's Michael Carrick, I feel.
"He's just got such a lovely demeanour. He was friends with everyone. No-one's got a bad word to say about Michael Carrick. You'd want to play for him. You'd want to help him.
"They'll know each other from past experiences and, I'm sure, got on previously. If it was anyone but Michael Carrick, you'd say poor Rashford's days are numbered.
"He's an asset, and Manchester United can't afford just to throw an asset away. Unless somebody's going to come and pay the money that they want, then they're going to have to use that asset.
"It's a really interesting one because it wasn't so long ago you thought, Rashford's never going to play for Manchester United again. I'm 50-50 on this one."
Rashford's last appearance for Manchester United came in the Europea League clash against Viktoria Plzen on December 12, 2024.
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Michael Carrick, Premier League, Man Utd, Football
Ben McCrum