Carrick hails Rashford as 'new signing' after first United start in 626 days

Marcus Rashford made his first Manchester United start in 626 days as Michael Carrick’s side beat Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford, with the manager declaring the 28-year-old’s reintegration feels like a new signing and has eased pressure on the club to act before the transfer window closes.

Rashford, who spent loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona before returning to United, did not get on the scoresheet but impressed Carrick enough to shape the club’s thinking on deadline day business. “Adding Marcus into that feels like a new signing,” Carrick said. “So, in that respect, we’re quite happy.”

Carrick did not entirely close the door on further arrivals, acknowledging the unpredictability of deadline day. “It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left,” he said. “We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”

The United manager was effusive about Rashford’s attitude since returning to Carrington. “He’s one of our own. He’s living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win,” Carrick said. “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.”

Carrick also singled out Kobbie Mainoo, who started his first game back after the World Cup and was described by his manager as “immense” in the middle of the pitch. “I thought Kobbie was pretty much all-around very, very good for a first start back,” Carrick said. “I thought Kobbie was immense in the middle of the pitch for us and underpinned the performance of the team.”

Bruno Fernandes was also credited for his display against Ipswich, though Carrick was keen to ensure Mainoo’s contribution was not overlooked in the post-match discussion.