Marcus Rashford has "seriously impressed" Manchester United chiefs by mentoring young players JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey, according to reports. The 28-year-old forward, who has not featured in a Premier League match since December 2024, was expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Barcelona chose not to take up their option to sign him permanently for £26million, and while a clean break was anticipated, Rashford is being reintegrated into the squad by manager Michael Carrick. He wore a United shirt for the first time in nearly two years when he came off the bench in a recent friendly loss to AC Milan.
Mentoring role and growing chances of staying
According to the Daily Mail, Rashford has been mentoring United prodigy Gabriel and 19-year-old prospect Lacey. The work he is doing is understood to have "seriously impressed" United bosses. It is also believed that the chances of Rashford staying with the Reds are increasing with every passing day.
Carrick has already held lengthy talks with the England international, who was shown around United's new £50m training ground. Rashford has also been reunited with close friend Youri Tielemans, whom he connected with during his time at Aston Villa.
Harry Maguire backs Rashford to stay
Former United captain Harry Maguire has given his backing for Rashford to remain with the club beyond the summer transfer window. He recently said: "He's a huge threat to have in your team, if he's going to stay with us. Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have. I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us."
Last season, Rashford's performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the recent World Cup. While at Barcelona, he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances, helping the club win La Liga - the first league title of his career.
Barcelona link not dead
It is understood that the chances of him moving to Barcelona permanently this summer are not yet dead in the water. TEAMtalk recently claimed Barcelona chiefs are still in touch with Rashford's representatives, despite having signed Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon this summer.
United begin their Premier League campaign this Saturday with an away clash against newly promoted Hull City.
