Manchester United are just days away from beginning their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
There is no denying that the 2024/25 season was disastrous for Manchester United, with the club’s worst-ever finish in the Premier League and the Europa League final defeat also ensuring Ruben Amorim went trophyless.
Now, with huge pressure to start strong next season, Amorim has set strict deadlines for pre-season, with the Portuguese head coach determined to get his squad into top shape before the opening game against Arsenal.
United’s pre-season training begins on July 7, with players returning to Carrington ahead of the first friendly against Leeds United 12 days later.
With Ineos yet to complete a major sale this summer, there are a handful of players who could make an awkward return to training, including Marcus Rashford.
Marcus Rashford during training with Manchester United at Carrington.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford intends to rejoin Man United training
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan, but Aston Villa chose not to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million.
Now, the 27-year-old has returned to Manchester and is trying to push through a move to Barcelona. But it seems extremely unlikely that any move will be finalised before United’s training schedule begins.
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As per The Athletic, Rashford intends to return to Carrington to report for training on July 7, despite having been frozen out of the squad by Amorim last season.
Amorim criticised Rashford’s training work rate, leading to the forward being dropped completely from the squad.
Despite the United coach speaking positively about Rashford during his loan spell, the overwhelming feeling is that there is no way back for him at Old Trafford.
However, it seems fans could see Rashford training in United gear as early as next week.
Ruben Amorim ready to axe Marcus Rashford from tour squad
With three years remaining on his contract, United will have to welcome Rashford back next week, but he doesn’t appear to be in Amorim’s summer plans at all.
Reports suggest Amorim is ready to axe Rashford from the tour squad when United set off on their pre-season trip to the United States.
Alongside the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford could be left at home while the rest of the squad fly Stateside to participate in the Premier League Summer Series.
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Rashford has his heart set on joining Barcelona, and while the Spanish side have not ruled out a move, they appear unwilling to match his £40 million price tag this summer.
Should a deal not happen, Rashford is ready to play in the Under-21s next season as he continues to look for a move away.