Berrada signals United want to keep Rashford after Barcelona loan return

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has made the club’s position on Marcus Rashford clear, signalling in his matchday programme notes for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Ipswich Town that the forward is part of their plans going forward.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, producing 14 goals and 14 assists, but the Spanish club declined to exercise their £26 million purchase option. He has since returned to United and featured in both of their opening Premier League fixtures, starting the 5-2 home win over Ipswich.

In his programme notes, Berrada grouped Rashford alongside the club’s new summer signings — Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow, Tynan Thompson and Carlos Baleba — framing all of them as players who “will help to improve the squad as we compete on multiple fronts.”

“We’re also very pleased to welcome Marcus back to the team,” Berrada wrote. “We believe that they will all help to improve the squad as we compete on multiple fronts.”

Manager Michael Carrick was equally effusive about the 28-year-old’s impact since his return, drawing on their long-standing relationship at the club.

“He’s adding to the group for us, for sure,” Carrick said. “I’ve known him for a while, and then he wasn’t here when I’ve come back, and now he is. I think he’s making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He’s one of our own. He’s living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win.”

Carrick also addressed the uncertainty that surrounded Rashford’s future during the summer, suggesting the forward’s attitude since returning has been the deciding factor.

“Whatever’s gone on, I think part of this club, there’s players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn’t leave,” he said. “It’s always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He’s been fantastic since he came back, I have to say, and it was great to see him on the pitch today for us.”

Rashford had been heavily linked with a permanent exit from Old Trafford throughout the summer, with Barcelona widely expected to complete a deal. His reintegration into the first team, combined with Berrada’s public endorsement, suggests United are now intent on rebuilding around the England international rather than moving him on.