Marcus Rashford could stick with Manchester United this summer after constructive discussions between the club and the player's representatives. The 28-year-old is currently at the World Cup with England but is expected to return to Carrington for pre-season in the coming weeks, with his long-term future still unclear after spending last season on loan with Barcelona.
Rashford set for pre-season return
Rashford will link up with the first-team squad when he arrives for training and will be in contention for selection during pre-season under Michael Carrick. He could appear in some of the six friendlies United will contest before the Premier League campaign kicks off on August 22. There had been an assumption that Rashford would depart Old Trafford for good in the transfer window, even after Barcelona opted against exercising the clause to sign him permanently for £26 million. Rashford was involved in 28 goals during his spell at the Nou Camp but was caught off guard by Barcelona's choice to instead pursue a £69 million deal for his England colleague, Anthony Gordon.
Reintegration on the cards
Now there is a sense that Rashford could stay at United past the close of the transfer window after discussions between both parties established the foundation for his return in pre-season. According to the Manchester Evening News, there is now a readiness on all sides to explore a reintegration for the academy product. That outcome is far from certain, and a late window offer could yet alter the picture, but United are currently unwilling to sanction a third loan spell after Rashford's stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Rashford had been keen to prolong his time in Catalonia, but United are reluctant to enter fresh negotiations with the La Liga outfit.
Premier League interest but Rashford reluctant
Premier League clubs are expected to circle for Rashford this summer, though he would sooner run down the final two years of his contract than commit to a permanent switch to another top-flight side at this point. That has left the door ajar for a return to United, and it had already been settled that Rashford would feature in the first-team setup this summer, having been ostracised into the 'bomb squad' by Ruben Amorim 12 months ago.
Impact on transfer plans
United are keen to bolster their left flank this summer and have cast their eye over Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville as possible targets, though those pursuits could be abandoned should Rashford remain at Old Trafford. He could battle it out with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left and would also provide cover for Benjamin Sesko through the middle. Should Rashford be brought back into the fold, United could redirect funds set aside for a wide left signing towards further midfield reinforcement, with Manuel Ugarte now set to miss most of next season through a serious knee injury. For the time being, United press on with their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, having already wrapped up the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.
