Schmeichel hails Rashford's United return as No.9 tattoo signals fresh intent

Marcus Rashford signalled his commitment to Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick with an encouraging display in Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton, prompting former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to declare the forward is “smelling of roses” and back to his best.

Rashford, 28, had spent last season on loan at Barcelona, with the Catalan club ultimately declining to trigger the permanent option in his deal. Speculation over his long-term future at Old Trafford persisted into the summer, but with Carrick now in the dugout, Rashford has started each of United’s last two Premier League fixtures — against Ipswich Town and Everton — and has been handed the No.9 shirt for the season.

In a detail that caught Schmeichel’s eye, Rashford added both the No.9 and the No.14 he wore at Barcelona to the tattoo on his body that chronicles every shirt number he has worn throughout his career.

“During the week there was a newspaper article showing that he had got himself a new tattoo,” Schmeichel said. “He’s got a tattoo with all the shirt numbers he’s had and he’s added the No.9 to it. It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago when he scored 30 goals in one season.”

Schmeichel was effusive about the quality of Rashford’s performance at Goodison Park, highlighting his willingness to involve teammates rather than carry the ball alone. “He wasn’t trying to do everything himself; trying to be dangerous. That is the Marcus Rashford we all want to see and if that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus — we have missed you.”

Rashford’s renewed partnership with Luke Shaw on United’s left flank also drew praise from Wayne Rooney, who noted the pair looked “a threat on that flank”. “[Shaw] was really good defensively and he was good going forward as well. He looked more of a threat today in his connection with Marcus,” Rooney said.

Carrick echoed those sentiments in his post-match press conference. “Marcus and Luke were particularly dangerous down that side. They’ve played together for quite some time now and have an understanding. We’re trying to build partnerships and combinations throughout the team.”

With Rashford back in favour and apparently fully invested in his United future, the coming weeks will reveal whether the early signs of a genuine resurgence can be sustained across a full Premier League campaign.