Rashford's team-mates back him to stay at United after Barcelona loan return

Marcus Rashford is rebuilding his standing at Manchester United after returning from a loan spell at Barcelona, with team-mates and coaching staff offering a consistently positive picture of his attitude and commitment ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 27-year-old had been widely expected to leave Old Trafford permanently this summer after falling out of favour under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, spending time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Barcelona ultimately declined to sign him for £26 million, but rather than sulk, Rashford has reportedly thrown himself into pre-season — playing in United’s 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan and taking on a mentoring role with young players including JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey. His efforts alongside Michael Carrick’s coaching setup have reportedly “seriously impressed” those in charge at the club.

Youri Tielemans, who played alongside Rashford during his Villa loan, pushed back firmly on the narrative that the forward lacked commitment. “He’s got amazing qualities — his touch, his acceleration, his finishing,” Tielemans said. “But what surprised me most was his commitment. There was such a big thing made out of him that he wasn’t committed or wasn’t in it for the right reasons. It’s completely opposite from what you hear. He was committed. He was doing the work. He was positive with everyone. He was just a normal guy.”

Tielemans added that Rashford still “needs support” from those around him to rediscover his best form — a sentiment echoed by Harry Maguire, who made clear the squad wants him to stay. “As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have,” Maguire said. “He can improve us for sure. You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat.”

Noussair Mazraoui also weighed in, describing Rashford’s potential retention as “a big one in this season if he does not leave” while praising the club’s summer recruitment more broadly.

Rashford, who won the La Liga title and the Supercopa with Barcelona last season, could now feature in United’s Premier League opener against Hull City if he remains at the club. With the transfer window still open, his future is not yet settled — but the mood music from inside Carrington is notably warmer than it was six months ago.