Marcus Rashford could remain with Manchester United for the new season following Manuel Ugarte's recent ligament injury. While the Reds had seemingly planned to offload the midfielder this summer, a knee ligament injury at the World Cup with Uruguay has thrown a spanner in the works.
Ugarte's Injury Alters Transfer Plans
The 25-year-old has failed to impress since his 2024 move from Paris Saint-Germain, believed to be worth up to £50.5 million in total. As a result, the central midfielder was expected to be moved on ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. However, it now appears as though Ugarte will stay put, having sustained a devastating knee injury in Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Spain at the weekend. The midfielder twisted funnily late on in the match, and needed a stretcher to leave the field of play in a distressing turn of events.
According to The Athletic, this could have a knock-on effect on Rashford's future at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old struggled to settle under Ruben Amorim's stewardship, joining Aston Villa on loan for the latter stages of 2024/25 and making the move to Barcelona for the entirety of 2025/26. While the La Liga giants held a purchase option for the forward to the tune of £26m, they ultimately opted not to utilise it – instead, bringing in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69m.
Rashford's Return and Potential Revival
As a result, Rashford will return to Carrington following his international commitments with England at the World Cup, although it remains to be seen how he fits into Michael Carrick's plans. The Englishman could enjoy a club revival with United should reports ring true, with claims that it could impact the club's ability to source a new left-sided forward this summer. As things stand, the Reds have prioritised reinforcement to their engine room in the wake of Casemiro's exit.
The club are battling Tottenham to secure a deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, while Atalanta's Ederson is set to land in Greater Manchester following the World Cup – subject to a medical. However, it is suggested that United were also on the market for a new forward to bolster their attacking line.
Given that they would prefer not to send Rashford out on a third consecutive loan, Manchester United could already have the perfect candidate within their ranks. The England international enjoyed a fruitful season with Barcelona on the whole, helping Hansi Flick to a La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana. Rashford also racked up 14 goals and as many assists from 49 appearances across all competitions last term, and is currently impressing with the Three Lions across North America – bagging himself a goal in his nation's 4-2 opener win against Croatia.
Uncertainty Over Rashford's Mindset
Any possibility of the forward representing United again, however, comes down to where his head is at with matters. Rashford made things clear when he left for Spain last summer that he did not see himself returning to the North West. Whether Carrick also sees him as a part of his own plans for the club also remains to be seen, with the 44-year-old staying reserved with regards to his engagement with the media over the topic.
As per Fabrizio Romano, however, United are currently holding talks with Rashford's representatives over potentially reintegrating him into the squad from pre-season onward. While there is no guarantee of such an instance occurring, it could mark the start of a new chapter with his boyhood club.
