Michael Carrick continues to speak positively about the return of Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United forward spent eight and a half years in the first team before being frozen out of the squad under the leadership of Ruben Amorim in the final weeks of 2024. He went out on loan to Aston Villa during the second half of the 2024/25 season, then moved on a year-long loan deal to LaLiga in the 2025/26 campaign, where he won the first league title of his career with Barcelona.
The 28-year-old was recognised for his contributions to Blaugrana with a place in the England camp for the World Cup, and he was part of the side that sealed a third placed finish. Many thought there was no way back from him at Old Trafford, but the story of this summer went against expectations.
‘He has come back fantastically well’
Barcelona decided not to buy Rashford permanently, thrashing out a deal to buy Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United at the end of May. The Carrington alumnus has now reintegrated with the group, and his former teammate sees many skills that are a valuable weapon in his offensive unit.
"It has been pretty obvious that Marcus came back training with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez pretty much in Dublin that he has come back fantastically well. He is enjoying his football, he looks fit, strong and ready to play football. I have been delighted with him since he came back.
"Of course, he can play through the middle, he has done. I wouldn't say it is naturally his number one position, but he can do that. I think we have got forwards that give us that flexibility right across the frontline that we have used all of them pretty much in slightly different roles.
"I think for us to have that option is really good going through the season."
