Rashford contacts United teammates over return as Carrick holds talks with exiled forward

Marcus Rashford has begun laying the groundwork for a possible return to Manchester United, reportedly reaching out to first-team squad members about his prospects at Old Trafford while new manager Michael Carrick holds separate talks with the exiled forward.

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists in La Liga. The Spanish club held a permanent purchase option worth £26 million but chose not to activate it, instead committing £69 million to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United — a player who operates in a similar position. Barcelona have not entirely closed the door on a second loan arrangement, leaving Rashford’s future unresolved heading into the summer window.

According to a report in The Sun, Rashford has already sounded out United teammates about a comeback and received what is described as “positive feedback.” Carrick, appointed as United’s permanent manager last month, has also been in direct communication with Rashford as the club weighs its options.

Rashford has not featured for United since December 2024, having fallen out of favour under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who departed the club in January. The 28-year-old’s relationship with the club deteriorated sharply before his loan move to Barcelona was arranged.

Carrick addressed the Rashford question in April, stopping short of ruling out a reunion. “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” the manager 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, preparing for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday, which means any resolution to his club future is likely to wait until after the tournament.