Man Utd pause winger search as Marcus Rashford prepares for return
The prospect of a Marcus Rashford return has become far more concrete, with the Manchester United forward reportedly preparing to rejoin Michael Carrick’s squad this weekend.
The Sun reports that Rashford will travel to Dublin on Sunday after completing his post-World Cup break. The 28-year-old has not trained with United since January 2025 following loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
United had been prepared to consider a permanent departure this summer. However, Barcelona decided against activating their option to sign him and another loan is reportedly not something United want to sanction.
Our pre-season schedule is set! 🫡
Sat 18 July: Wrexham in Helsinki 🇫🇮
Fri 24 July: Rosenborg in Norway 🇳🇴
Sat 1 Aug: Atleti in Stockholm 🇸🇪
Sat 8 Aug: PSG in Gothenburg 🇸🇪
Wed 12 Aug: Leeds in Dublin 🇮🇪
Sat 15 Aug: AC Milan in Wroclaw 🇵🇱
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 9, 2026
The biggest development could come elsewhere in United’s recruitment.
The same report claims United have paused plans to sign another winger because Rashford is increasingly expected to remain at Old Trafford. Attention can instead be directed towards strengthening Carrick’s defence before the transfer window closes.
It adds another option to a forward line already transformed this summer. ReadManUtd looked on Friday at the excitement surrounding United’s rebuilt attack, with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo joining Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee among Carrick’s options.
Rashford would bring another proven threat from the left if Carrick can successfully reintegrate him.
United face Leeds United in Dublin on Wednesday before completing pre-season against AC Milan three days later. Rashford could therefore receive an opportunity before United begin their Premier League campaign.
His situation still has time to change if a suitable permanent offer arrives. For now, though, Rashford appears increasingly likely to be part of Carrick’s squad when competitive football returns.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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