Marcus Rashford has not played a match for Manchester United in 19 months.
The last match that Marcus Rashford played in a Manchester United shirt was in December 2024 away to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.
Since then, Rashford left for Aston Villa and Barcelona on loan. During his time in Spain, Rashford made it clear he wanted to join Barcelona permanently, but they rejected his £26m buy option.
Now, Rashford is set to return to United and he is open to a full reintegration under Michael Carrick.
Marcus Rashford applauds fans after Manchester United vs Liverpool.
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Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
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Marcus Rashford’s first game back for Manchester United
Because of Rashford’s lengthy 2026 World Cup run with England, he has been afforded an extended summer break.
According to reports, Rashford will join United for their trip to the Republic of Ireland, expected to begin on August 9.
It means that Rashford will miss the upcoming friendlies against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
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But Rashford should be back and available for United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United at Croke Park on August 12.
Wednesday, August 12 2026: Manchester United vs Leeds United, Croke Park, Dublin – 7.30pm
If Michael Carrick chooses to rest Rashford for that fixture, then the final friendly of the summer is against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan – the head coach who froze Rashford out of the United squad in December 2024.
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Marcus Rashford squad number dilemma must be addressed
It is not long until fans will see Rashford in a United shirt once again, but there is a glaring dilemma to solve around his shirt number.
Rashford was famously United’s No.10 during his time at the club, but the No.10 was handed to Matheus Cunha last summer after his £62m signing from Wolves.
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The No.9 is still vacant after Rasmus Hojlund’s exit, but Benjamin Sesko could take that number to signify his role as the starting striker.
The No.14 that Rashford wore during his Barcelona loan is available at United, and that seems the most likely fix unless Cunha is stripped of his shirt number.
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