Rashford included in United's World Cup round-of-16 list, fuelling return speculation

Manchester United have inadvertently stoked speculation over Marcus Rashford’s future by including the forward in an official post celebrating eight club players who reached the World Cup’s round of 16 — a gesture fans have interpreted as a quiet signal that he will not be sold this summer.

Rashford featured last on the list, posted on X by the club’s official account, alongside Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Senne Lammens and Kobbie Mainoo. His inclusion was notable given that he has been frozen out of the first team since falling out with former head coach Ruben Amorim, with his last appearance for the club coming in December 2024.

The saga appeared close to resolution when United agreed a £26 million option-to-buy clause with Barcelona ahead of Rashford’s loan spell in Catalonia last summer. Despite the 28-year-old’s eagerness to remain at the Camp Nou, the La Liga winners chose not to activate the clause, opting instead to pay £70 million for Anthony Gordon. The deadline for a permanent deal passed last month, leaving both player and club frustrated, with United unwilling to sanction a third loan arrangement.

Reports have since suggested Rashford will rejoin the United squad after the World Cup and could be considered for pre-season under incoming head coach Michael Carrick. The club’s social media post has done little to dampen that narrative. Fans on X were quick to read between the lines, with one writing: “Soft launch if I’ve ever seen one,” and another concluding: “Lol he’s playing for us next season isn’t he.” A third added: “They’re very subtly teasing his return and I think that’s become very obvious.”

Rashford himself, however, has indicated a preference for a permanent departure. Speaking to reporters ahead of England’s win over Mexico at the World Cup, he said: “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it done before. If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special.”

Whether that preference can be accommodated will depend on whether a buying club emerges after the tournament. For now, United’s public acknowledgement of Rashford as part of their World Cup contingent suggests the club are at least keeping the door open to his return.