Marcus Rashford could look to Kobbie Mainoo as an example of how to get his Manchester United career back on track. The forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but his next steps are less certain.
Rashford's Barcelona Loan and Uncertain Return
Barcelona had a £26million buy option to keep Rashford, who scored and assisted 14 goals apiece, but chose to sign Newcastle's Anthony Gordon in his position. The 28-year-old previously spent time on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under former United boss Ruben Amorim.
However, the appointment of Michael Carrick as Amorim's permanent successor could provide Rashford with a route back to his boyhood team. He is currently expected to return to United for pre-season after constructive talks between his representatives and the club, who are unwilling to sanction a third loan move for Rashford.
Carrick's Open Door for Rashford
It was reported at the start of Carrick's reign in January that the manager wanted his former teammate back at the club next season. When asked about Rashford's future in April, Carrick also left the door open for a possible return.
"I just think there's decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation," Carrick said. "But at this point in time nothing's been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there's nothing to say."
Mainoo's Resurgence as a Blueprint
Rashford's situation echoes the uncertainty young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo previously faced during Amorim's tenure. The 21-year-old was continuously at the centre of transfer speculation until Carrick's appointment, with the manager instantly restoring Mainoo to the team.
The academy graduate made his first league start of the season during Carrick's opening match, and the midfielder kept his place in the side for the remainder of the campaign. In April, Mainoo signed a new five-year contract, displaying just how much a managerial change can change a player's prospects.
Rashford openly discussed seeing his long-term future at Barcelona last season, having not played for his parent club since December 2024. However, the landscape has changed significantly within the last few months, given United's change of manager and Gordon signing for Barcelona.
Rashford's World Cup Focus and Carrick's Plans
"I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it (a move) done before," Rashford recently said when asked about his future. "If it's not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We're fighting for something special."
While Rashford is focused on the World Cup, Carrick has overseen a resurgence at Old Trafford, propelling United into the Champions League places. He played alongside the manager at United and the pair also worked together during his previous coaching roles at the club.
Putting aside their personal connections, Carrick will be aware that his old teammate can bolster his team's attack. The 44-year-old used Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha on the left flank last term, who can both occupy other roles, and United have been linked with West Ham's Crysencio Summerville.
Rashford has two years remaining on his United deal and keeping him in the squad would allow the club to strengthen another area of the team. Carrick provided Mainoo with the perfect opportunity to save his United career and the manager could repeat the same trick with Rashford.
