Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United for pre-season following the World Cup and could remain at the club for the 2026-27 season after constructive discussions between the club and the player's representatives. The 28-year-old is currently with England at the World Cup but is expected to return to Carrington for pre-season approximately three weeks after the Three Lions end their tournament in North America.
Rashford to rejoin first-team squad
Rashford will rejoin the first-team squad upon his return to training and will be in contention for selection during pre-season under manager Michael Carrick. He could appear in some of the six warm-up fixtures United have arranged before the Premier League campaign kicks off on August 22. There had been widespread expectation that Rashford would depart Old Trafford this summer, even after Barcelona opted against exercising their option to secure him permanently for £26 million.
Rashford was directly involved in 28 goals during his loan spell at the Nou Camp but was caught off guard by Barcelona's decision to recruit Anthony Gordon for £69 million instead. However, there is now a growing belief that Rashford could stay at United past the close of the transfer window following discussions between both parties, which have paved the way for his pre-season comeback. There is now a readiness on all sides to explore a pathway back for the academy product.
United unwilling to approve third loan
That remains uncertain and a late offer could alter matters, but United are presently unwilling to approve a third loan spell following Rashford's stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Rashford had been keen to extend his stay in Catalonia, but United are hesitant to re-enter talks with the La Liga club. Premier League interest in Rashford is anticipated this summer, though he would prefer to fulfil the remaining two years of his contract rather than accept a permanent transfer to another English club at this juncture.
This has created the possibility of remaining at United, and it had already been established that Rashford would form part of the first-team squad this summer, having been ostracised into the 'bomb squad' by former manager Ruben Amorim 12 months earlier.
Transfer plans may change
United are seeking to bolster their left flank this summer and have considered Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville as potential targets, though those plans may be abandoned should Rashford remain at the club. He could vie with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left and would also provide an alternative to Benjamin Sesko as a striker. Should Rashford be reintegrated, United could redirect the funds allocated for a left-winger signing towards strengthening their midfield further, with Manuel Ugarte now facing the majority of next season on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury.
For the time being, United continue to pursue a deal for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, having already secured the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.
