Marcus Rashford has been working closely with Manchester United 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel and prospect Shea Lacey in a mentor capacity. Rashford, 28, has looked set for an Old Trafford exit this summer, but his work with the youngsters is the latest sign he will remain with his boyhood club.
Loan spells and return
He has not played a Premier League match for United since December 2024, having been sent out on loan to Aston Villa and Barcelona. After the latter decided not to sign him permanently for £26million, Rashford now looks set to stay, despite both parties seemingly wanting a transfer earlier this summer.
Michael Carrick has reintegrated him into the squad and even deployed him in United's recent pre-season loss to AC Milan. While Rashford has not got the dream move to Barcelona he craved, he has not been sulking.
Impressing club chiefs
Instead, the United academy graduate has been working closely with the Reds' graduates of 2026, which include prodigy Gabriel and bright star Lacey. According to the Daily Mail, his efforts in this regard have "seriously impressed" those in charge at the club.
Furthermore, it is believed that the likelihood of Rashford remaining with the Red Devils is growing with each passing day. Carrick has already held extensive discussions with the England international, who was given a tour of United's brand new £50m training facility.
Rashford has also been reunited with close friend Youri Tielemans, with whom he struck up a bond during his stint at Aston Villa. Former United skipper Harry Maguire has also thrown his weight behind Rashford staying at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
Support from teammates
He recently said: "He's a huge threat to have in your team, if he's going to stay with us. Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have.
"I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us."
Last season, Rashford's standout displays earned him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the recent World Cup. During his time at the Camp Nou, he racked up an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances.
Barcelona interest remains
His efforts played a pivotal role in clinching La Liga, marking the first league title of his footballing career. It is claimed that the prospect of a permanent move to Barcelona this summer remains very much alive.
TEAMtalk recently reported Barcelona's hierarchy remain in contact with Rashford's representatives, despite having already brought in Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon this summer. United kick off their Premier League campaign this Saturday with a trip to newly promoted Hull City.
