Marcus Rashford is absent from Manchester United's squad for the friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm because he is still on a post-World Cup break. A mandatory three-week gap is required between a player's final match at the tournament and the start of their pre-season campaign. England's last game in North America came three weeks ago, in the third-place play-off against France.
Barcelona move fails to materialise
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he helped the Catalan club win the La Liga title. However, that success was not enough to earn him a permanent move, with Barcelona instead signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Premier League clause expires
Earlier in the summer, hopes of a quick resolution before pre-season were dashed when a £40 million clause allowing a sale to a Premier League buyer - excluding Manchester City or Liverpool - expired without any club triggering it.
United remain keen to get Rashford, who earns £325,000 a week, off their wage bill. Despite interest from home and abroad, a compromise appears necessary on both the transfer fee and his wages if he is to leave.
Carrick opens the door
Rashford had fallen out with previous manager Ruben Amorim, who froze him out of the squad completely. There was no way back for the forward under the Portuguese coach, but Michael Carrick's appointment has left the door ajar.
What's next for Rashford?
Although he is not involved in the Atletico fixture, Rashford is due to link up with the squad ahead of the training camp in Ireland. He could potentially be involved in the friendly against Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park on August 12.
