Manchester United could be preparing for one of the most unexpected twists of the summer transfer window.
According to The Sun, United head coach Michael Carrick has left the door ajar for Marcus Rashford to resume his Man United career.
The report further highlights that Carrick has been in regular contact with Rashford and he could have a role to play at United next season.
That revelation will undoubtedly divide opinion among supporters.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona after falling out of favour at United.
It was a dream move for the Englishman and he repaid that faith with 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
The Spanish giants had a £26 million buy clause in the loan agreement which will expire today.
Barcelona made a surprise £69m move for Anthony Gordon earlier this month.
As things stand, Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona now looks increasingly unlikely.
The situation leaves United facing an uncomfortable dilemma.
From a financial perspective, reintegrating Rashford into the squad would be extremely difficult to justify.
He is set to pocket around £325,000 per week as United prepare to return to the UEFA Champions League.
That salary places him among the highest earners at the club.
INEOS have spent the last two years working aggressively to reduce the wage bill and create a more sustainable financial structure.
Bringing Rashford back into the fold would appear to contradict much of that work.
The club cannot afford to retain players on enormous wages simply because no suitable buyer emerges.
Carrick has a long-standing relationship with Rashford, having played alongside him when the forward broke through the academy under former manager Louis van Gaal.
That connection could help explain why communication has remained open.
INEOS effectively pushed Rashford towards the exit door in 2025 as part of their squad overhaul.
Reversing that decision only a year later would come as a major surprise.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com