Marcus Rashford is reportedly weighing up a return to Manchester United’s first-team squad following his loan spell at Barcelona. The striker faces an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window, having spent the last 18 months away from Old Trafford.
The England international scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists during his stint at Barcelona last season. The La Liga giants hold an option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for £26million, but have chosen not to activate that clause. This followed Barcelona’s decision to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69million, with both players occupying similar positions on the pitch.
As a result, there is significant uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s next destination, with some reports suggesting Barcelona may still be open to taking the 28-year-old back on another temporary basis. Now, a fresh report from The Sun claims Rashford has already begun laying the groundwork for a potential return to United this summer.
According to the report, the forward has reached out to members of United’s first-team squad regarding a possible return to Old Trafford and has reportedly received “positive feedback.” It has also emerged that United boss Michael Carrick has made contact with Rashford amid mounting speculation over the forward’s future at the club.
Rashford has not featured for United’s first team since December 2024, having fallen out of favour under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who departed in January this year.
What the future holds for Rashford under Carrick’s stewardship remains unclear, as does whether the forward will be handed a chance to reintegrate into the United squad. Carrick was confirmed as United’s permanent manager last month and must now determine whether Rashford fits into his plans for the season ahead.
Back in April, Carrick was quizzed about the prospect of Rashford returning to United’s first-team fold, and stopped short of ruling it out.
“I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” Carrick said.
“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point. But at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”
Rashford is currently with the England squad in the United States as they prepare for their opening World Cup clash against Croatia on Wednesday.