Michael Carrick's ex-teammate reveals unique factor behind-the-scenes that will aid Marcus Rashford comeback

Michael Carrick has one unique factor that will work in his favour when it comes to reintegrating Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, according to Michael Owen.

Rashford has returned to Old Trafford for the end of pre-season after Barcelona decided not to make his loan deal from last season permanent.

The 28-year-old was selected in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, and produced an outstanding first-half display in England's 6-4 win over France in the third-placed play-off.

He scored his only goal of the tournament in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia in the group stages, and proved to be a valuable member of the Three Lions squad.

Now, he has been given squad number 14 at United and, barring a sensational offer, looks set to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer transfer window.

He is 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.

United limited that wage rise to players who featured in over 60 per cent of their matches last season, but Rashford qualified for it as he signed his most recent contract before the internal rule was changed.

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While that wage, and the willingness of interested clubs to pay it, will likely have been a partial factor behind why he is still at Old Trafford, Owen believes that the uniqueness of his relationship with Carrick - at least in terms of United head coaches - will have played a key role in him staying.

"It's a really interesting one, isn't it?" Owen, who helps UK gamblers compare online casinos as the British ambassador for Casino.org, 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."

Carrick addresses Rashford comeback

While we haven't heard a significant amount from new permanent head coach Carrick this summer when it comes to press duties, Carrick did briefly reference his 'history' with Rashford when confirming he would be returning to the club for pre-season.

"We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]," Carrick said.

"I've played with him [Rashford]. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history."

According to The Athletic, Rashford is said to be 'excited' to work under Carrick again, though will have to wait to make his return bow in a United shirt.

The 28-year-old, like all players who reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, have recently come back from their mandatory breaks.

He could play some part when United take on bitter rivals Leeds at Croke Park, Dublin on Wednesday evening.