Marcus Rashford has made three appearances for Manchester United under Michael Carrick so far this season, playing well down his favoured left flank
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford (Image: (Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Manchester United icon Gary Pallister has told Marcus Rashford he is fortunate to be given a second chance at Old Trafford. Rashford is back at United after falling out of favour with former manager Ruben Amorim in December 2024 and spending the last 18 months on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The Reds, though, were keen to offload the forward’s £325,000-a-week wages during the summer transfer window, as that salary no longer fits the club's wage structure. But after Barca rejected the chance to sign the 28-year-old for £26m, he has worked his way back into Michael Carrick's plans, starting his side’s last two Premier League games.And Pallister, speaking via Betarades.gr, believes: "I think Rashford has been fortunate in the respect of Michael (Carrick) being at the club when Marcus was in his pomp and when he was earning that new contract that he got.
*FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page*
"That's what Michael probably remembers. A couple of years after he signed that deal and he didn't look happy.
“He obviously got put in the bomb squad, along with three or four of the players and his body language wasn't great, his form wasn't great and I think it suited both parties for him to leave and go to Barcelona where he was desperate to do well.
"And then a contract there didn't work out. They went and got Anthony Gordon and they were both playing that same position at the World Cup for England.
"I don't know how he felt about all that, but I think it's safe to say he's been fortunate to get a second chance at United and I'm now expecting him to grab it with both hands.
Marcus Rashford after he was replaced by Patrick Dorgu against Everton
Marcus Rashford after he was replaced by Patrick Dorgu against Everton(Image: (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
View 2 Images
"The Everton game was the best I've seen him. I'm sure he loves the club. He's coming in with a manager in Michael that he knows that he can work with and in the first three games, he seems a lot happier.
“We know he's a talented player, we know he's a threat. If he's happy and he's hungry, then Marcus Rashford would be in most people's Premier League teams. So, we're going to watch this space, I guess."
Asked about Rashford ahead of tomorrow's Manchester derby, Carrick said: "Really pleased with him in so many ways. He was a real threat on Sunday, unfortunate to not get more success but he was a real threat.
"I'm not sure what else to say just really pleased to have him. We have good options so trying to keep everyone fresh".