Michael Carrick has said Marcus Rashford has “been in great spirits” since returning to Manchester United, reiterating “he's our player” when asked about the forward's future.
Rashford has joined up with United following his post-World Cup break. The forward spent last season on loan with Barcelona, but the Catalan club decided not to activate the option in the loan deal to make the move permanent for £26million.
Rashford's return to training
The 28-year-old was not included in United's squad for Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Leeds, but he could be seen in a red shirt for the first time since December 2024 this weekend.
United will play AC Milan in Poland for their final pre-season game of the summer, and Rashford is in contention to be involved.
Carrick's comments on Rashford
Carrick maintained the door was open for Rashford to return when he was asked about his future last season, and he reiterated that he is a United player when he spoke to ITV Sport after the Leeds friendly.
“He's our player, you know, and he's come back great. He's just like any other player,” Carrick said. “I've known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he's been in great spirits since he's been back.
“He's been back two or three days training and it's just pretty normal, to be honest. And we're looking forward to the start of the season.”
Rashford's future at United
Carrick played with Rashford at United before he coached him as part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff, and he briefly managed him during a caretaker stint.
United hoped to offload Rashford to Barcelona for the £26m option fee, but Barca signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle instead, leaving the forward facing an uncertain future.
Rashford has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week contract, which was signed in the summer of 2023 after a 30-goal season.
