Marcus Rashford could be handed another chance at Manchester United after positive talks were held between the club and the player's camp. The 28-year-old is currently at the World Cup with England but is set to return to Carrington for pre-season around three weeks after the Three Lions exit the tournament in North America.
Return to First-Team Training
Rashford will join the first-team group when he reports for training and will be available for selection during pre-season for manager Michael Carrick. He could feature in some of the six friendlies United will play before the Premier League season begins on August 22.
There had been an expectation that Rashford would leave Old Trafford this summer, even after Barcelona decided against taking the option to sign him on a permanent deal for £26 million. Rashford contributed to 28 goals during his campaign at the Nou Camp but was blindsided by Barcelona's decision to sign Anthony Gordon for £69 million instead.
Shift in Stance
Now there is a belief that Rashford could remain at United beyond the end of the transfer window after talks between the two parties laid the groundwork for his return in pre-season. There is now a willingness on all sides to consider a reintegration for the academy graduate.
That isn't yet guaranteed and an offer later in the window could change the situation, but United are currently unwilling to sanction a third loan move after Rashford spent time at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Rashford had been determined to extend his stay in Catalonia, but United are reluctant to enter negotiations again with the La Liga side.
Premier League Interest
There is expected to be Premier League interest in Rashford this summer, but he would rather see out the final two years of his contract than agree a permanent move to another domestic side at this stage. That has opened the door to staying at United, and it had already been agreed that Rashford would be part of the first-team squad this summer, having been ostracised into the 'bomb squad' by former manager Ruben Amorim 12 months ago.
Impact on Transfer Plans
United are looking to strengthen on the left this summer and have looked at Iliman Ndiaye of Everton and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville as potential options, but those plans could be shelved if Rashford stays at the club. He could compete with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left and would also offer an alternative to Benjamin Sesko as a centre-forward.
If Rashford is reintegrated, United could use the money earmarked for a left-winger signing to beef up their midfield further, with Manuel Ugarte now set to miss the majority of next season with a serious knee injury. For now, United continue to work on a deal for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, having already agreed to sign Ederson from Atalanta.
