Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha could be impacted by Marcus Rashford's return to the Manchester United first-team squad. It has been a frustrating summer for the Reds academy graduate.
Rashford's Transfer Situation
The forward's dream move to Barcelona looks unlikely to materialise after the Catalan giants failed to activate a £26million clause in last season's loan agreement to secure his permanent transfer. The Manchester Evening News understands that United are looking for alternative permanent buyers with Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur among the sides linked.
The club are eager to clear his £325,000-a-week salary to protect their newly established wage structure. But with no permanent deal for the winger in sight, United could be forced to cut their losses and loan him out again towards the end of the window.
Potential Reintegration
Alternatively, United may need to accept they cannot permanently get his wages off the books and reintegrate him into their first team. There will be hope at Old Trafford in that scenario that Carrick could get the best out of the England international - as he did with so many stars during his interim spell in charge last season.
But his return to United's squad as another left-wing option will have an impact on several stars in Carrick's side.
Impact on Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu is one such player. The Danish wing-back did not have a natural place in United's team after Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system was ditched under Carrick. And yet the 21-year-old showed promise in Rashford's left wing position with impressive performances in memorable wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. Would he be happy to play a less regular role after enjoying so many minutes under Carrick last term?
Impact on Matheus Cunha
Rashford's return could also impact Cunha, who was United’s main left-wing option. The Brazilian impressed with his 10 goals and four assists, playing a key role in the Reds' third-placed finish and a return to the Champions League. Cunha did not sign as a backup option, although his form last season is likely to earn him a starting berth at least to begin 2026/27. A potential solution for Carrick could be to deploy the 27-year-old as a centre-forward, a position he played in several times last season, with Benjamin Sesko still recovering from a shin injury.
Rashford's Stance
BBC Sport report that Rashford, who has two years remaining on his deal at the club, is "relaxed" about the prospect of returning to train with the United squad. The 28-year-old is also said to enjoy a more positive rapport with former teammate Carrick, in contrast to his "confrontational relationship" with ex-United boss Amorim. Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona last season, claiming the La Liga title in the process.
Upon finishing his World Cup commitments, Rashford took to social media to strike a positive tone. He said: "Keep believing in us. Our time will come. Now it's time for me to rest, reflect, spend some quality time with family and friends, and come back a better version of myself."
