Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United may not have reached its conclusion just yet, with manager Michael Carrick reportedly considering the possibility of reintegrating the forward into the squad at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old was widely believed to have made his final appearance for the Red Devils in 2024, but recent transfer activity has opened the door for a surprising comeback.

Barcelona loan spell comes to an end

Rashford spent time away from Manchester following his fall from favour under former manager Ruben Amorim, during which he took loan stints with Aston Villa and Barcelona. Although he played a role in helping the Catalan club reclaim the Liga title last month, a long-term stay in Spain now appears improbable after Barcelona completed a £70 million signing of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Reports suggest Barcelona have declined to exercise their £30 million option to make Rashford’s move permanent, leaving the England international in an uncertain position. With the Spanish side turning their attention to other transfer targets, Rashford is now expected to return to Carrington for pre-season training under Carrick’s supervision.

Carrick leaves the door open for Rashford

Rashford, who has netted 87 goals in 287 appearances across nine Premier League seasons, has not featured for United since the December 2024 clash against Nottingham Forest. Despite his absence, he remains under contract with the club until June 2028. Carrick is understood to have made it clear that he would welcome Rashford back into the squad if no permanent transfer away from the club materialises.

According to The Sun, the Old Trafford manager has maintained regular communication with the 28-year-old winger and has received encouraging feedback after consulting members of the team’s leadership group about the prospect of his return.

Nicky Butt comments on Rashford’s possible return

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes that Carrick’s management approach could pave the way for Rashford’s reintegration. Speaking to The Sun, he said: “It’s all well and good saying the Manchester United chapter is over, but the truth is he’s still under contract and on a big salary. He’s not going to walk away from that, and it doesn’t seem any club is willing to pay the fee United are asking.”

Butt added: “He might have to return to United, at least for pre-season. Knowing Michael Carrick, he’s the type to be open-minded with any player returning for training. He won’t just dismiss people – that’s not who he is. If Rashford comes back for pre-season and Michael doesn’t get the specific players he’s targeting in the transfer window, you never know. When you’re paying someone that kind of money, it doesn’t make sense not to use them.”

A possible redemption story at Old Trafford

Reflecting on his own experience of returning to a club after time away, Butt suggested that dedication and hard work could help Rashford win supporters back. Butt, who spent a season on loan at Birmingham City in 2005 before returning to Newcastle United, recalled: “When I went back to Newcastle from Birmingham, I honestly didn’t think I’d stay. I got booed coming on against Villarreal, even after scoring twice. I thought there’s no way they’ll accept me. But I kept working hard, trained well, and ended up captaining the team and staying another four years.”

He continued: “Of course, it would be better for him to remain at Barcelona than return to United. The club may have already made up their mind, but if he comes back for pre-season still under contract, Michael will show him respect and consideration. He’ll include him in the group, and if Rashford trains hard, shows hunger, and proves a point, then he could force his way back in. If no other deal is on the table, you may as well make use of him.”