Rashford Set to Return to Manchester United Post-World Cup
Marcus Rashford is anticipated to be reintegrated into Manchester United's squad following the World Cup, with the forward expected to start the upcoming season under Michael Carrick's management. The 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, last featured for United in December 2024. This absence was due to a breakdown in the relationship between Rashford and the club, though no issues exist between Rashford and Carrick.
Rashford will have a three-week break after England's World Cup campaign concludes, with plans for him to return to United for pre-season training. While United would prefer to reduce their wage bill by transferring Rashford, who earns approximately £17.5 million annually, there is a shortage of suitable suitors for the player.
Earlier in January 2025, Rashford was linked with a move, having just completed a loan spell. After scoring the decisive goal in May that secured the La Liga title, Rashford expressed his preference to re-sign with the club.
Although a £26 million fee would have activated his release clause, Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon, who primarily plays as a wide left winger, along with additional add-ons. Manchester United currently have no plans to negotiate with Barcelona regarding another temporary move for Rashford.
Rashford's relationship with United deteriorated after he was substituted at the 56th minute during a match at Plzen by Ruben Amorim, the then head coach who subsequently declined to consider Rashford for selection later that month. Amorim commented on Rashford's absence, stating,
"It is important the performance in training, in games, the way you dress, eat, engage with your teammates, push your teammates."
He also clarified that Rashford's omission was due to selection reasons.
Manchester United's Pre-Season Schedule
United's pre-season preparations commence on Thursday, featuring six friendly matches before the new campaign begins. The first friendly is against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, a day before the World Cup final.
Subsequent fixtures include Rosenborg in Trondheim on 24 July, Atlético Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August, Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August, Leeds in Dublin on 12 August, and Milan in Wroclaw on 15 August. The Premier League season starts a week later with a match at Hull. Should England reach the World Cup final, Rashford's earliest possible return to United would be 10 August.
Caretaker Manager Michael Carrick's Outlook
Michael Carrick was appointed caretaker manager in late May after the previous manager's departure in January. He successfully guided United back into the Champions League with a third-place finish and is optimistic about the forthcoming season.
"We know we’ve got what it takes to beat the best teams in this league,"
Carrick told the club website.
"Now it’s about doing that over a full Premier League campaign, while also fighting for every trophy available to us.
"I cannot wait to lead the group forward next season and for those special European nights to return to Old Trafford. We are ready to kick on and give you more of the great moments that United are all about."
Manchester United's Transfer Activity
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Andrey Santos for an initial £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons. The deal includes a 10% sell-on clause for Chelsea, and terms have been agreed with the 22-year-old midfielder.
Santos, who is capable of playing in both holding and attacking midfield roles, has six caps for Brazil but was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad that was eliminated by Norway in the last-16 of the World Cup on Sunday.
Carrick's midfield options are expected to be further strengthened by a potential signing from Atlanta, with the 26-year-old player set to join for an initial fee of €40.5 million (£35 million). The transfer is pending completion of a medical examination.
