Michael Carrick sends clear Marcus Rashford message

Michael Carrick has suggested Marcus Rashford remains part of his Manchester United plans, while also urging the club to continue strengthening the squad before the summer transfer window closes.

The United head coach welcomed Rashford back into first-team training this week after the England international returned from successive loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Carrick also admitted he wants further additions to improve both the quality and depth of his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Rashford has not played for Manchester United since December 2024, spending the last 18 months away from Old Trafford on loan.

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Carrick made it clear he is pleased to have the academy graduate back with the squad.

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Carrick made it clear he is pleased to have the academy graduate back with the squad.

"Now we're in a positive place as a group, and Marcus can offer us so much. He has done, and he can do again, so in that respect, it's quite exciting."

The 28-year-old could make his first Manchester United appearance in almost two years when the Red Devils face AC Milan this weekend.

While Carrick praised Rashford's attitude since returning, he stopped short of confirming the forward would remain beyond the transfer deadline.

Barcelona opted against making his loan move permanent, while United are reportedly reluctant to approve another temporary departure, particularly to a Premier League rival.

For now, Carrick is simply treating Rashford as part of his first-team squad.

"He's our player, he came back Sunday night, he arrived with Kobbie, and Lisandro came the day after, and he's part of the group like anybody else.

"I've known him a long time… it's been good to have him around the group again this week. So I'm really positive with that."

Alongside discussing Rashford, Carrick admitted Manchester United's transfer business is not complete.

The club have already signed Karl Darlow, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but the United boss believes further reinforcements are required before the window closes.

"I think we've got a pretty good balance in all when you lay the squad out, but we would like more, we need to keep pushing for more.

"There's one or two areas where we'd like to improve and we feel that there's the possibility to improve."

Carrick also confirmed he remains in regular contact with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, insisting recruitment discussions are ongoing as United continue searching for improvements.

His comments indicate Manchester United are not only planning additional arrivals but are also prepared to keep Rashford if the right offer fails to materialise. However, with several weeks still remaining in the transfer window, the situation could yet change.

Manchester United are expected to continue pursuing new additions before the transfer window closes, with Carrick making it clear he wants greater quality and depth. Rashford's future also remains one to watch, although his return to first-team training suggests he is firmly back in contention while the club assess their options over the final weeks of the window.

Should Manchester United keep Marcus Rashford this season, or would a permanent transfer be the better outcome for all parties?