Manchester United have a few weeks off to refresh and recharge before the run-in, with the first fixture back being a home match against Leeds in the Premier League
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou on March 22, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has needed to be patient at Barcelona(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
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As Manchester United prepare for a longer break than usual, attention has turned to their potential summer strategy. Beyond the managerial question - which will be settled one way or another when the season concludes - we've seen more from Marcus Rashford after some recent words from his manager at Barcelona.
United won't feature in another fixture until Leeds visit Old Trafford on April 13. That will bring to an end a period of three weeks without competitive action for Michael Carrick and his players.
The international break will provide an opportunity for those not representing their countries to rest and recuperate. It will also give Carrick and his backroom team time to assess Friday's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth and plan for some huge remaining fixtures.
Securing a top-four finish and qualification for next season's Champions League would undoubtedly bolster Carrick's credentials for the permanent managerial position. That remains a key consideration as we round up the latest developments from around Old Trafford.
Could Carrick say no?
Former Premier League boss Tim Sherwood has questioned whether Michael Carrick would necessarily accept the Manchester United role if it were offered to him. A haul of 23 points from a possible 30 makes him a credible contender, but circumstances would need to align for both parties.
"No one's asked Michael, he might say 'I don't want it'," Sherwood said during an appearance on No Tippy Tappy Football alongside Sam Allardyce. "I can't imagine he would, but you just never know."
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick looks dejected during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has taken 23 points from a possible 30(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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When questioned about accepting the role on a permanent basis during a February interview with BBC Sport, Carrick responded: "For me, it's the ultimate role."
He added: "I don't decide how long that's going to be, but I love being here, and whilst I'm here, I'll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That's how I believe it should be."
A late cameo for Rashford
Marcus Rashford played the final eight minutes as a substitute when Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Ronald Araujo's first-half strike secured the win, marking a fifth consecutive league victory, but Rashford was made to wait for an opportunity.
The forward has seen limited game time recently, with Barca manager Hansi Flick confirming the England international had returned to match sharpness following recent "issues". Flick suggested he would need to rotate his entire squad throughout the hectic final stretch of the season, and the player demonstrated his readiness when given the opportunity.
"There's time [to make decisions]," the manager said. "There's the World Cup. I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford, Gerard... they give us quality. And the rest do too. We'll talk at the end and see what happens."
Barcelona are set to face Atletico Madrid in their first two matches following the break. They will take on Diego Simeone's side in La Liga before facing the same opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals.