Michael Carrick has confirmed that Marcus Rashford will rejoin his Manchester United teammates at a training camp in Ireland next week, ending speculation about his immediate future. The 28-year-old forward, who spent the season on loan at Barcelona, is expected to remain at Old Trafford for the 2026-27 campaign after the La Liga champions opted not to trigger a permanent transfer.
Rashford's return to United
Rashford was given an extended break after helping England finish third at the World Cup and is now preparing to train with the United squad for the first time in 18 months. He was part of a five-man bomb squad last summer under former manager Ruben Amorim and did not train with the first team before joining Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Barcelona had the option to sign him permanently for £26 million, but despite Rashford providing 25 goals and assists, they were not convinced by his all-round performances. Barring a transfer in the next three weeks, the 29-year-old will remain at United.
Carrick's confirmation
Speaking after United's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, Carrick told Scandinavian broadcaster VG: "We have a full squad next week in Dublin. We fly straight there and meet Leeds on Wednesday. We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]."
Carrick, who was Rashford's teammate at United for three seasons before coaching him, added: "I've played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history."
Potential reunion with Amorim
In a stark coincidence, Rashford could make his long-awaited return against Amorim, who sidelined him in December 2024. Amorim now manages AC Milan, whom United will face in Poland next Saturday following their clash with Leeds.
Rashford's Barcelona season
Rashford enjoyed a productive season at Barcelona, winning both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. However, Barcelona opted to pay £69 million for Newcastle star Anthony Gordon and £19 million for Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi to bolster their attack.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said last week that he will 'miss' Rashford, explaining: "You don't know what happens with players who are on loan - our situation is not easy for that. But I appreciate working with him. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. The team miss him, I will miss him, but it is life. This is what we have to accept. And in the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he is on fire with Barca and I'm really happy that he's on our team."
