Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United's first-team squad after a season-long loan at Barcelona, with manager Michael Carrick confirming his inclusion for pre-season. The 28-year-old England international's future at Old Trafford now looks more secure, as Barcelona allowed their £26m purchase option to expire.
Return to the squad
Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim, has welcomed Rashford back into the fold. Following United's 1-1 draw with PSG on Saturday, Carrick said: “We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together. Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie and Lisandro [Martinez]. We look forward to seeing them.”
Rashford, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, joined the squad in Dublin, with some players traveling on a private jet. The forward is set to feature in United's final pre-season friendlies against Leeds on Wednesday and AC Milan on Saturday, and is expected to be available for the Premier League opener at Hull on August 22.
Transfer stance
Rashford is not interested in moves to Turkey or Saudi Arabia, limiting his options to European clubs offering Champions League football. Barcelona, the most likely destination, are out of the running unless there is a major U-turn. A fee of around £25m might be enough, but sources close to the player suggest United are no longer desperate to sell.
Squad number clue
Rashford is set to wear the No. 14 shirt next season, a number that was vacant last term. United have already given the No. 10, previously worn by Rashford, to new signing Matheus Cunha. The choice of No. 14, which Rashford wore at Barcelona, suggests the club and Carrick consider him part of their plans.
