Marcus Rashford's Fresh Start at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford looks set to be handed a fresh chapter at Manchester United, with head coach Michael Carrick making it clear the forward is very much in his plans for the new season.

Rashford travelled with the squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Dublin but stayed on the bench during the 1-1 draw. His presence, though, felt like the real headline.

The 28-year-old has been away a long time. He spent the whole of last season on loan at Barcelona after a six‑month spell at Aston Villa, and has not played a competitive game for United since December 2024. His Old Trafford story appeared to be drifting towards an ending elsewhere.

Carrick’s words suggest otherwise.

“He's our player. He's come back great, like any other player. I've known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different,” the United boss said. “He's been in great spirits since he's been back, he's been back two or three days.”

Those few lines cut through weeks of speculation. Rashford had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs earlier in the window, including Tottenham Hotspur, as his future looked uncertain while he shone abroad.

His form in Spain made sure he could not be ignored. Rashford was part of Barcelona’s LaLiga‑winning squad last season, contributing eight goals and seven assists in 32 league appearances. He also delivered in Europe, adding five goals and three assists in the Champions League. That kind of output travels, whichever league you play in.

Now comes an intriguing twist. Rashford is in contention to feature in United’s final pre-season friendly on Saturday, against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland. If he steps onto the pitch, he could find himself facing the man who once sidelined him at Old Trafford: former United manager Ruben Amorim, now in charge of Milan.

The backdrop is rich. A forward rebuilt in Barcelona’s colours, an ex-manager in the opposite dugout, and a new head coach publicly opening the door for his return.

Rashford is back at Carrington, back in a United shirt, and back in the conversation. What he does with this second chance will shape far more than just his own season.