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Michael Carrick's glowing assessment that Marcus Rashford has been "great" in the short time since his return to Manchester United indicates there is a strong chance he plays a significant role for the club next season.
Rashford, who spent 18 months away on loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona following his final appearance for the Red Devils in November 2024, reported back for duty last weekend as the club kicked off its preseason tour in the Republic of Ireland.
He took part in training during the first half of the week ahead of the friendly against Leeds United at Dublin's Croke Park on Wednesday. With limited fitness after just two sessions, Rashford's inclusion was always going to be a stretch, and Carrick left him out of the squad alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez—others who were among the last to return due to their participation at the World Cup.
Rashford is expected to be in contention when United face a somewhat awkward reunion with former boss Ruben Amorim on Saturday, taking on AC Milan in Poland. Carrick appears fully confident that his squad will be strengthened by having the 28-year-old involved.
Rashford Gives 'Something a Bit Different'
Speaking to ITV following the 1–1 draw with Leeds, Carrick said Rashford has "come back great"—a strong vote of confidence for a player who was sidelined by Amorim due to concerns over his commitment in training.
"He's our player. He's come back great, like any other player. I've known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different," Carrick said enthusiastically.
"He's been in great spirits since he's been back. He's been back [for] two or three days."
The comments should help ease a fresh wave of criticism surrounding his attitude, which surfaced after tabloid outlets published photos of Rashford appearing to drink beer and champagne while on holiday in the days before he resumed training.
What Role Can Rashford Have at Man Utd?
United never truly found a replacement for Rashford. Last season, his preferred spot on the left wing was shared between Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu. Even though the latter has emerged as a credible attacking option after converting from fullback, and Cunha performed admirably despite being more naturally suited to a central position, neither is as instinctive a fit as Rashford in that role.
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United had been expected to pursue a left winger in the transfer market this summer, but only if Rashford departed again. His apparent decision to stay is a welcome development—not only in terms of squad depth, but also because it could free up resources to address other areas of the pitch still in need of reinforcement, most notably central midfield, left back, and striker.
Rashford was not a regular starter at Barcelona last season, largely serving as backup to Raphinha. Nevertheless, he still racked up 28 goal contributions across all competitions. At his peak in a United shirt, the academy product has surpassed 20 goals in a season on three occasions, reaching a high of 30 during the 2022–23 campaign—a feat no other United player has matched since 2013.
It would come as little surprise if Carrick were to hand him a regular place in the starting lineup once again.