Rashford returns for Man Utd after 618 days but cannot prevent 2-0 Hull defeat

Marcus Rashford ended an 618-day absence from Manchester United action on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half at the MKM Stadium only to watch his side slump to a 2-0 defeat against Hull City.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave the play-off champions all three points, leaving United manager Michael Carrick searching for answers after a performance that offered little encouragement. Rashford replaced Patrick Dorgu at half-time but could not reduce the deficit, with his last competitive appearance for the club having come against Viktoria Plzen in December 2024.

“After 618 days, I’m back playing with United. I wish the result were better, but it’s something we can improve on,” Rashford wrote on Instagram following the defeat. Several teammates, including Lisandro Martinez, Bryan Mbeumo, Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana, liked the post.

Rashford’s return had been far from certain. Barcelona, where he spent a loan spell, opted against triggering their purchase option, and no other club met United’s asking price. The 28-year-old, under contract until 2028, has since been handed the No.9 shirt and appears to be a central part of Carrick’s plans going forward.

Carrick was asked before the Hull game whether Rashford could operate as a central striker this season, having spent much of his career on the left flank. The United manager suggested the role is within the forward’s capabilities. “Of course he can play through in the middle. He has done,” Carrick said. “I wouldn’t say it’s naturally his number-one position, but he can do that, and I think we’ve got forwards that give us that flexibility right across the frontline.”

Carrick was also quick to defend Dorgu, the Denmark international who was deployed in an attacking role before being withdrawn at the interval. “Pat’s fine, we love him to bits. He’s a fantastic player, a great character,” Carrick said. “He’s a big part of what we do, and he will be. So it was just one of those decisions — sometimes you’ve just got to make them, trying to do something a little bit different.”

The defeat leaves United with clear work to do, though Rashford’s reintegration at least provides Carrick with an additional attacking option as the season develops.