Fernandes reveals Rashford among first to arrive at Carrington in United's new era

Marcus Rashford has made a quietly impressive return to Manchester United, with captain Bruno Fernandes revealing the England forward is among the first players through the doors at Carrington each morning under head coach Michael Carrick.

Rashford’s future at Old Trafford looked uncertain heading into the summer after a loan spell at Barcelona, with the La Liga club ultimately opting against a permanent deal — choosing to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon instead. That decision brought Rashford back into United’s first-team fold for the 2025/26 campaign, and early signs suggest the reunion is working.

Fernandes offered a candid glimpse into the dressing-room dynamic when asked about who arrives earliest at training. “Normally, always Diogo [Dalot]. He’s always here first,” the Portuguese midfielder said. “This season, also Rashy, and Ben [Sesko], are normally the ones that arrive early. Together with me.”

The small detail carries weight in a dressing room that has undergone significant change since Carrick took charge. Attitude and application are qualities the new head coach has placed at the centre of his rebuild, and Rashford appears to be responding to that environment.

Carrick himself has been equally effusive. Speaking after United’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah, he said: “Really pleased with Marcus. Really pleased with him, so many ways. I think it’s pretty obvious with his performances. Again, he was a real threat on Sunday, unfortunate not to get a little bit more success, but he was a real threat.”

“He’s doing a lot of things really well and settled back in really quickly,” Carrick added. “It was nice to keep Marcus fresh for the weekend.”

Rashford has not yet hit the goal tally that once defined his best seasons at the club, but the indications from those closest to the squad suggest the 27-year-old is rebuilding his standing from the ground up — one early morning at a time.