Rashford's World Cup inclusion hints at Manchester United return under Carrick

Manchester United appear to have quietly signalled that Marcus Rashford will return to the club this summer, after the official club social media account included the exiled forward in a list of eight United players who reached the World Cup round of 16.

Rashford, who has not featured for the Red Devils since December 2024, was listed alongside Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Senne Lammens, and Kobbie Mainoo. The post came before Brazil and Portugal’s subsequent eliminations from the tournament.

Fans were quick to read between the lines. “Soft launch if I’ve ever seen one,” wrote one supporter on X, while another added: “Think we should warm ourselves up to the fact he’s coming back.” A third was more blunt: “Lol he’s playing for us next season isn’t he.”

The social media move adds weight to earlier reports that Rashford will link up with the United squad after the World Cup and could be considered for pre-season under incoming head coach Michael Carrick.

The saga had appeared close to resolution when United agreed a £26m option-to-buy clause with Barcelona ahead of Rashford’s loan spell in Catalonia last summer. However, despite the forward’s eagerness to remain at the La Liga champions beyond the 2025/26 season, Barcelona opted not to trigger the clause, choosing instead to spend £70m on Anthony Gordon. The deadline for a permanent deal passed last month, leaving both Rashford and United frustrated. The club have also made clear they will not sanction a third loan arrangement.

Rashford himself has not closed the door on a departure. Speaking to reporters ahead of England’s victory 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.”

The 28-year-old was frozen out by former head coach Ruben Amorim following a reported falling out late last year, with his final United appearance coming in a Champions League fixture against Viktoria Plzen in December 2024. Whether Carrick’s arrival changes the dynamic at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but United’s latest public gesture suggests the club is at least preparing supporters for his reintegration.