Carrick hails Rashford as 'fantastically well' returned forward eyes United future

Marcus Rashford is poised to be reintegrated into Manchester United’s first-team squad after interim head coach Michael Carrick offered a glowing assessment of the forward’s return from a season-long loan at Barcelona.

Carrick, speaking ahead of United’s Premier League opener against Hull on Saturday, said Rashford had come back “fantastically well” since rejoining the group in Dublin alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez during pre-season. “He’s enjoying his football, he looks fit, he looks sharp, he looks strong, he looks ready to play football,” Carrick said. “So I’ve been delighted with him since he came back.”

Rashford made his first United appearance since December 2024 in last weekend’s final pre-season fixture against AC Milan and is expected to be named in the squad for Saturday’s league curtain-raiser.

When asked whether Rashford had spoken to him about staying at the club beyond the transfer window, Carrick sidestepped the question and pointed instead to the player’s visible form on the training pitch. United are understood to remain open to offers for Rashford before the window closes, but his reintegration now looks increasingly likely given the absence of a buyer.

Carrick also confirmed Rashford can operate as a central striker if required, though he acknowledged it is not the forward’s preferred role. “He can play through the middle, he has done,” Carrick said. “I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily his number one position, but he can do that. For us to have that option is really good for the season.”

Rashford delivered a productive campaign at Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists, but the Catalan club chose not to exercise their £26 million purchase option, instead committing £70 million to sign Anthony Gordon. The 28-year-old academy graduate has two years remaining on a £325,000-per-week contract at Old Trafford.