Marcus Rashford set for Manchester United return as Michael Carrick’s plans emerge

Marcus Rashford could be given a fresh opportunity at Manchester United after reports claimed new head coach Michael Carrick wants to reintegrate the England international into his first-team plans.

The 28-year-old's future appeared uncertain following the end of his loan spell at Barcelona, with the Spanish champions deciding against activating the €30 million purchase option included in the agreement.

With no permanent transfer materialising and interest from elsewhere yet to develop into a formal move, Rashford now looks set to return to Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Carrick is keen to work with Rashford after taking permanent charge of Manchester United earlier this year.

The report suggests the academy graduate will be welcomed back into the squad for pre-season once his World Cup commitments with England come to an end.

Rashford is currently unavailable for United's opening pre-season fixture against Wrexham as he prepares for England's third-place play-off against France, but he is expected to link up with Carrick's squad shortly afterwards.

The change in management appears to have altered Rashford's immediate prospects after he found himself on the fringes of the first team under Ruben Amorim before departing on loan last season.

Barcelona had considered keeping Rashford following a campaign that produced 14 goals in 49 appearances, but ultimately strengthened their attack by signing Anthony Gordon and moving for Karim Adeyemi instead.

That decision left Rashford searching for a new destination, although no club has yet come forward with an agreement to sign him permanently.

Earlier this summer, reports suggested Premier League clubs could trigger a £40 million release clause, although that option has now expired.

While a transfer later in the window cannot be ruled out, Manchester United's current stance indicates Rashford will be treated as part of Carrick's squad unless a suitable offer arrives.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the England forward can rebuild his career at Old Trafford or whether another move eventually materialises before the transfer deadline.

Rashford is expected to report back to Manchester United following England's involvement at the World Cup, where Carrick will have the opportunity to assess him during pre-season. Although a transfer remains possible later in the window, the forward's immediate focus appears to be earning a place in United's plans for the new season.

Should Manchester United give Marcus Rashford another chance under Michael Carrick, or is this the right time for both sides to move on?