​Marcus Rashford is on course to be reintegrated into Manchester United after the World Cup, with the 28-year-old expected to rejoin pre-season training under Michael Carrick, according to The Guardian. The forward has not played for the Reds since the 2-1 Europa League victory at Viktoria Plzen in December 2024, when then-head coach Ruben Amorim substituted him on 56 minutes and subsequently refused to consider him for selection. Rashford spent the January 2025 window on loan at Aston Villa before moving to Barcelona for the full 2025-26 campaign. The report outlines a plan for Rashford to take a three-week break at the end of England’s World Cup campaign before linking up with Carrick’s squad ahead of the new season. United’s pre-season opener against Wrexham in Helsinki is set for 18 July—the day before the World Cup final—meaning Rashford could not report back before 10 August at the earliest if England progress to the final.
Rashford’s preference to stay in Catalonia after scoring Barcelona’s 2-0 Clasico win in May that sealed La Liga’s title was well known, with him publicly stating a desire to re-sign permanently. A release clause of £26 million had been available, but Barcelona chose to spend £60.7 million plus add-ons on Anthony Gordon from Newcastle instead—another player whose best position is also wide left—closing that door. United have made it clear they will not sanction another temporary arrangement with Barcelona. The Reds would prefer to move Rashford’s salary, which is around £17.5 million per year, off the wage bill entirely, but The Guardian notes there are few takers willing to meet the club’s terms.
Crucially, The Guardian confirms there are no tensions between Rashford and Carrick, who was appointed on a permanent basis in May after guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Carrick has begun reshaping standards at Carrington, and the current expectation is that Rashford will be assessed within that environment on the basis of his performances. “We know we’ve got what it takes to beat the best teams in this league. Now it’s about doing that over a full Premier League campaign, while also fighting for every trophy available to us,” Carrick told the club.
Separately, United have agreed an initial £48 million deal—with £2 million in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause—to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the 22-year-old having agreed personal terms. Éderson from Atlanta is also in line to join for an initial €40.5 million, though he has yet to complete a medical. Carrick remains interested in adding a third midfielder with more established pedigree, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton both carrying minimum price tags of £80 million. Rashford still has two years remaining on his current contract, and United will be wary of any loosening of the squad’s core while pursuing a settled, long-term plan for the attack.