Michael Carrick says Marcus Rashford has returned in good spirits and can offer Manchester United something different as the new Premier League season approaches

Michael Carrick has welcomed Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United and backed the England forward to make an important contribution as the Premier League season approaches, describing the 28-year-old as a player who offers something different to his team.

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Carrick’s comments mark a significant change in the tone surrounding Rashford’s future at Old Trafford.

The forward spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona after previously spending part of the campaign at Aston Villa, having fallen out of favour under former United manager Ruben Amorim.

“He’s our player. He’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,” Carrick said. “I’ve known him a long time and he gives us something a little bit different.”

The remarks suggest that Carrick is prepared to consider Rashford as part of his plans rather than treating his return as a temporary arrangement while the club searches for another destination.

Rashford’s return is notable because his Manchester United career appeared to have reached a difficult point before his departure.

The forward had not played competitively for the club since December 2024 before moving first to Aston Villa and then Barcelona.

Barcelona’s loan agreement, confirmed in July 2025, included an option to make the move permanent.

The Spanish club ultimately did not complete a permanent transfer, leaving Rashford to return to his boyhood club for the new campaign.

His season in Spain nevertheless gave him an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and experience a different tactical environment.

Barcelona’s official announcement at the time quoted Rashford describing the move as a dream opportunity and expressing his ambition to win major trophies.

That experience could now prove useful to Manchester United.

Carrick has already shown that he is willing to keep the door open for Rashford. In April, before the end of the Barcelona loan, the United manager refused to rule out a return and said there was no reason to close the possibility while discussions about the club’s squad continued.

The latest comments are more emphatic. By describing Rashford as “our player” and saying he has returned “great”, Carrick has made it clear that the forward is currently being treated as a member of the squad.

Rashford’s return also comes at an interesting moment for United. The club are preparing for a new Premier League campaign under Carrick, with the manager attempting to build a side capable of competing more consistently after a period of instability.

United’s recent pre-season activity has already offered encouraging signs.

The team drew 1-1 with Leeds United in Dublin before winning the friendly on penalties, with several senior players featuring during the match.

Rashford was present but did not feature against Leeds, with reports indicating that he could be involved in the next pre-season fixture against AC Milan.

His reintegration will nevertheless require careful management. Rashford’s previous difficulties at United were not simply about footballing form, and his relationship with the club became strained during the final months of Amorim’s tenure.

The circumstances make Carrick’s emphasis on a fresh start particularly significant.

Rather than revisiting the disagreements that preceded Rashford’s departure, the manager has chosen to focus on what the forward can contribute now.

There is also a practical reason for United to keep the England international involved.

Rashford’s pace, ability to attack space and experience at the highest level give Carrick a different attacking option, particularly against opponents who defend with a high line.

The forward has also demonstrated that he can adapt to different attacking systems.

His spell at Barcelona exposed him to a possession-oriented environment and offered experience alongside some of Europe’s leading attacking players.

Whether that translates into a sustained revival at Old Trafford remains to be seen.

For now, Carrick’s position is clear. Rashford has returned, the manager believes he is in good condition and Manchester United are prepared to see what the forward can offer before making any further decision about his future.

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The Rashford Manchester United comeback therefore represents more than a routine return from loan. It is an opportunity for a player whose United career appeared to be fading to begin again under a manager who believes he still has something distinctive to contribute.