Rashford Poised for Carrick Reunion
Marcus Rashford is expected to resume training with Manchester United when the squad reports for pre-season, signalling a potential end to his seven-month absence from Old Trafford. The forward last represented the club in December 2024, featuring in a Europa League victory over Viktoria Pilzen before loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The 28-year-old’s relationship with United fractured under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who substituted him after 56 minutes in that final appearance and subsequently excluded him from selection. Amorim later cited concerns regarding training standards and off-field conduct. However, there are no reported issues between Rashford and Michael Carrick, who was appointed permanent head coach in May after initially taking interim charge in January.
Rashford will take a three-week break following England’s World Cup campaign. Should the national side reach the final on 18 July, the earliest he could return would be 10 August. United’s pre-season schedule opens against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, followed by fixtures against Rosenborg, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and Milan.
Midfield Reinforcements Agreed
Carrick is simultaneously overseeing a significant midfield overhaul. United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian international Andrey Santos for an initial £48 million, with performance-related add-ons of £2 million and a 10 per cent sell-on clause included. The 22-year-old, who has six senior caps but was omitted from Brazil’s World Cup squad, is comfortable in both holding and advanced midfield roles.
The club are also in line to complete the signing of Éderson from Atalanta for €40.5 million (£35 million). The 27-year-old, who appeared for Brazil at the World Cup, is yet to undergo a medical. These acquisitions would substantially strengthen Carrick’s options ahead of the Premier League campaign, which begins with a trip to Hull.
Further Targets and Uncertain Future
Despite securing two midfielders, United retain interest in additional reinforcements. Carrick is monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, though either would command a minimum fee of £80 million. The manager is particularly keen to recruit a midfielder with established top-flight pedigree.
United’s preference remains to reduce their wage expenditure, with Rashford earning approximately £17.5 million annually. A permanent transfer would achieve this objective, though the club acknowledge a shortage of suitable buyers. Barcelona, where Rashford expressed a desire to remain after scoring the title-clinching goal against Real Madrid in May, opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle rather than trigger the £26 million release clause. United have no intention of negotiating another temporary move with the Catalan club.
Rashford remains contracted until 2027, leaving Carrick to determine whether the forward can be reintegrated into a squad preparing for Champions League football.