Marcus Rashford is poised to remain at Manchester United this season, with CEO Omar Berrada virtually confirming the forward's future at Old Trafford. The England international had been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona following an impressive loan spell last campaign, but the Spanish club chose not to bring him back.
Rashford has since returned to United and appeared in both of their opening Premier League matches against Hull and Ipswich. Speaking ahead of the home victory against the Tractor Boys, Berrada stated in the matchday programme: "We will have our new signings Andrey [Santos], Youri [Tielemans], Karl [Darlow], Tynan [Thompson] and Carlos [Baleba] here this afternoon."
"We know you will give them all a very warm welcome and get behind them as they begin their Manchester United journey. We're also very pleased to welcome Marcus [Rashford] back to the team. We believe that they will all help to improve the squad as we compete on multiple fronts."
Carrick praises Rashford's return
Manager Michael Carrick has also heaped praise on Rashford following his display against Ipswich. "He's adding to the group for us, for sure. I've known him for a while, and then he wasn't here when I've come back, and now he is," Carrick said.
"I think he's making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He's one of our own. He's living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win. Whatever's gone on, I think part of this club, there's players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn't leave."
"It's always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He's been fantastic since he came back, I have to say, and it was great to see him on the pitch today for us."
Barcelona reopen Balde talks
United are said to remain firmly interested in Alejandro Balde as they look to bolster their left-back position. Lewis Hall had been Carrick's primary target, but Newcastle made it abundantly clear that the promising defender was not available for transfer.
As a result, the club switched their focus to the Barcelona left-back, with discussions reopening in Spain over Balde's future. United had previously turned down the chance to sign Balde permanently, but the two sides met to speak again over the possibility of a loan move.
They remain at an impasse, however, with Barcelona asking for £34m. Balde returned to the squad for the match against Athletic Club after being absent for the La Liga curtain-raiser against Elche. Hansi Flick is yet to field the defender this season, and he could well be on his way out before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
