Rashford mentoring United youngsters as permanent return grows more likely

Marcus Rashford is growing into an unexpected leadership role at Manchester United this pre-season, mentoring academy prospects JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey in a way that has ‘seriously impressed’ club chiefs, according to the Daily Mail — with his chances of remaining at Old Trafford strengthening by the day.

Rashford has not played a Premier League minute since December 2024, spending last season on loan at Aston Villa and then Barcelona, where he contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances and won La Liga — the first league title of his career. Barcelona held an option to sign him permanently for £26 million this summer but chose not to exercise it, leaving his future unresolved.

New United head coach Michael Carrick has since reintegrated the 28-year-old into the squad. Rashford pulled on a United shirt for the first time in nearly two years when he came off the bench in a pre-season friendly defeat to AC Milan, and Carrick has already held lengthy talks with the England international, who was also shown around the club’s new £50 million training ground.

The mentoring work with Gabriel and 19-year-old Lacey appears to have shifted the mood inside the club. Rashford has also been reunited with Youri Tielemans, a close friend from his time at Villa Park, adding to a sense that he is settling back into the environment.

Former United captain Harry Maguire has publicly backed Rashford to stay. “He’s a huge threat to have in your team, if he’s going to stay with us,” Maguire said. “Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he’s a big asset to have. I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us.”

A permanent departure is not entirely off the table, however. Reports suggest Barcelona remain in contact with Rashford’s representatives despite having already signed Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon this summer.

United open their Premier League season on Saturday with an away fixture against newly promoted Hull City.