Rashford explores Man United return as Carrick refuses to close the door

Marcus Rashford has reportedly reached out to Manchester United first-team players to gauge the mood around a potential return this summer, as his loan spell at Barcelona comes to an end without a permanent deal being triggered.

Barcelona held an option to sign Rashford for £26 million but chose not to activate it, instead completing a £69 million move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who operates in a similar position. That decision has left the 28-year-old’s future unresolved ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a report in The Sun, Rashford has already set a plan in motion should he return to Old Trafford, and is said to have received “positive feedback” from current United players. The same report claims that new United manager Michael Carrick has also been in contact with Rashford as speculation over his future continues.

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. Carrick was confirmed as United’s permanent manager last month and now faces a decision on whether to reintegrate the England forward into his plans.

When asked about the prospect of Rashford returning in April, Carrick was measured but did not dismiss the idea outright. “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” Carrick 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.”

During his time at Barcelona last season, Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists. Reports suggest Barcelona could still be open to taking him on another loan basis, meaning United face competition if they do wish to bring him back. Rashford is currently with the England squad in the United States as preparations for their summer tournament campaign get under way.