Man United XI vs AC Milan: Rashford set for first start since 2024

Marcus Rashford is in line to make his first appearance for Manchester United since December 2024, against the man who froze him out as Ruben Amorim's AC Milan are the opposition for this weekend's pre-season friendly.

Rashford's return on the horizon

Michael Carrick’s side will cross over to Poland for their final summer friendly, and the first step towards Rashford’s renewed future at his boyhood club is expected.

The England international did not feature in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday night in Dublin, with Carrick revealing the game came too soon for the forward as well as Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo.

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Carrick confirms availability

However, the Man United boss has effectively confirmed that Rashford - and the returning World Cup pair - will get some minutes against Milan.

“Marcus, Licha and Kobbie only came back a couple of days ago so they're not quite ready but we can have them for the weekend,” Carrick said.

"We trained hard, the boys who came in, Marcus, Kobbie and Licha have trained really hard and we'll have a recovery day tomorrow.

“We'll all recover tomorrow, train Friday and prepare for the game on Saturday [against Milan]. Again, we'll get the balance right of minutes."

Sub-plot vs Amorim

Rashford has spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona since his last Man United appearance, and coming up against Amorim will make for an interesting sub-plot to a friendly between two European giants.

It is likely that Rashford, Martinez and Mainoo will come off the bench in Poland as their minutes are managed in the same way as the Man Utd players who took part in the World Cup.

Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko are all doubtful after missing the Leeds draw, but Bruno Fernandes and summer signing Youri Tielemans could start together in midfield for the first time.

With Matheus Cunha making his first appearance of pre-season in midweek, there is a decision to make up front as Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo have been supporting lone striker Bryan Mbeumo.