Marcus Rashford is poised to be reintegrated into Manchester United’s first-team squad for the new season, according to The Guardian.
The England international spent the previous campaign on loan at Barcelona. He had a good stint with 14 goals and 14 assists from 49 games.
The Blaugrana had the option to buy him for £26 million, but ignored the clause to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead for £70m.
Rashford still has a £40m release clause in his United contract, but there are no suitors at the moment due to his hefty £17.5m annual salary.
Rashford previously left the club after falling out with then-manager Ruben Amorim, but he has no problems with Michael Carrick, who is ready to welcome him back.
While United would ideally prefer to ease their wage bill with Rashford’s summer exit, the forward is currently ‘expected to start’ next season as part of Carrick’s squad.
He will formally join the club for pre-season training after a three-week break at the close of England’s World Cup campaign in the United States.
United should keep hold of Rashford
The 28-year-old had a strained relationship with Amorim. He was initially loaned out to Aston Villa during the back end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Rashford fared impressively for the Villans with 10 goal contributions, but they did not trigger the £40m buy clause after he refused to accept a pay cut.
The Englishman was more than willing to reduce his salary to join Barcelona on loan. Despite his fine campaign, they have opted to look elsewhere.
United now find themselves in a situation where no club is willing to meet his current wages.
In our view, it could be a blessing in disguise. Rashford is still one of the best left-wingers in world football and would be an ideal competitor for Matheus Cunha.
Of course, he no longer has the assurance of regular starts, which he needs to be content with.
For now, Rashford would be a far better solution alongside Cunha on the left flank rather than spending £50-60m on an inconsistent Crysencio Summerville.
The United graduate looks poised to start next season with the club, but an exit is not entirely ruled out.
Tottenham Hotspur could still emerge as a surprise destination after their summer spending spree. Manager Roberto De Zerbi is a huge admirer of Rashford.
Stats from Transfermarkt