Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United for pre-season training, almost two years after his final appearance for the club. The 28-year-old forward was seen arriving at the Carrington training base on Sunday, ahead of the team's trip to Ireland for a friendly against Leeds United.
Rashford's tenure at Old Trafford appeared to conclude after a disagreement with then-manager Ruben Amorim, leading to loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Barcelona opted against triggering a £26 million buy option for the player, and no other clubs met United's £40 million valuation.
His last official game for Manchester United was on December 12, 2024, in a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. He was granted additional time off following his participation in the World Cup with England.
Manager Michael Carrick confirmed Rashford would join the squad in Dublin. "We have got a full squad this week in Dublin," Carrick stated. "Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie (Mainoo) and Lisandro (Martinez). We look forward to seeing them."
Rashford scored 14 goals and provided as many assists during his loan spell at Barcelona and had expressed a desire to remain with the Spanish club. "I'm not a magician but if I was, I would stay," he said in May. "It's really good. I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can. This team is a wonderful team. They're going to win so much in the future as well. To be a part of that would be special."
Despite his return to the club, uncertainty remains about his future with a month left in the transfer window. Earlier this year, Carrick had indicated that decisions regarding certain players, including Rashford, were pending. "At this point in time, nothing's been decided," he said. "It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there's nothing to say."
Rashford, who came through United's academy, made 426 appearances for the club.
