Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United action on Saturday, featuring in the club's 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat against AC Milan in Poland. It marked Rashford's first appearance for the club since December 12, 2024, when he played against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
Rashford was introduced as one of six substitutes with an hour gone in the match. His return comes after a loan spell that saw him play for Aston Villa and then Barcelona. Manchester United officials were quick to clarify that the number nine shirt Rashford wore during the game was not permanent, aiming to prevent speculation about his future.
The 28-year-old forward appeared relaxed during his warm-up, acknowledging the reception from United supporters. His introduction coincided with AC Milan scoring their first equalizer.
Rashford's initial involvement on the field saw him concede a foul, but he later showcased a notable piece of skill near the corner flag, beating an opponent. The crowd reacted positively to this play.
Manchester United's goals in the match were scored by Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu, who had been replaced by Rashford on the left flank. The team's pre-season campaign concluded with this loss.
The club's upcoming Premier League fixtures against Hull and Ipswich will provide further insight into manager Michael Carrick's strategies. The approaching transfer deadline on September 1 is also expected to bring clarity to the team's situation regarding player movements.