Marcos Rashford is entering the last knockings of his season-long loan at Barcelona and there's been no decision from the Spanish giants on signing him permanently
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on April 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has given an update on Marcus Rashford's future(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has left the door open for Marcus Rashford to make a surprise return to Manchester United. Rashford, 28, is nearing the end of his loan at Barcelona, who are yet to trigger a clause which would see them sign him permanently for £26million.
The England international looked to have no future at OId Trafford after being frozen out by former boss Ruben Amorim last year. Rashford pushed to join Barca and after a productive starting to the campaign, he made it clear that he wanted to stay in Catalunya.
But a dip in performances and playing time during the second half of this season has left his future at Camp Nou in the balance. Now, there's been a fresh twist after Carrick refused to rule out a return.
Asked on Friday if Rashford could play for United again, the interim manager replied: "I just think there's decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation.
"But at this point in time, nothing's been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point. But at this stage, there's nothing to say."
Rashford has had indifferent season at Barcelona, dropping out of the starting line-up after a good start to his loan. The forward has only been a regular starter whenever Barca vice-captain Raphinha has been injured, with Hansi Flick preferring to use Rashford as an impact substitute.
What's more is that Barcelona are still under financial constraints and have to be frugal in the transfer market. The La Liga champions, who are favourites to win the title again this season, want to sign a new striker this summer which could have a effect on Rashford's future as they attempt to balance the books.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match, Quarter-Finals, second leg, between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona played at Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium on April 14, 2026 in Madrid. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla /PRESSINPHOTO/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match, Quarter-Finals, second leg, between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona played at Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium on April 14, 2026 in Madrid. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla /PRESSINPHOTO/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Barca are weighing up whether to keep one of their current strikers, Ferran Torres or the out-of-contract Robert Lewandowski, who's been offered a new deal on significant lower wages. One possibility is that United could allow Barcelona to extend Rashford's loan for another season rather than demanding the £26m.
In March, club president Joan Laporta told Spanish outlet Jijantes: "We could extend the loan further. It depends on what Deco (Barcelona's sporting director) wants. There are formulas, such as paying part of the buy option to Manchester United and figuring out the rest later."
Having been knocked out of the Champions League this week following a dramatic quarter-final tie with Atletico Madrid, Rashford has seven games to make his case to Laporta and the rest of the hierarchy. Barca are back in action on Wednesday at home to Celta Vigo.