Manchester United have informed Marcus Rashford's representatives that they want the forward to be part of Michael Carrick's squad for pre-season, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Speaking on his YouTube channel in late June, Romano confirmed direct contact has taken place between Rashford's camp and the club, with the 28-year-old said to be open to playing under Carrick next season.
The development follows Barcelona's decision not to trigger their £26 million (€30 million) option to sign Rashford permanently after his loan spell, during which he helped Hansi Flick's side win the La Liga title.
Barcelona instead opted to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon for £70 million, leaving Rashford's future in limbo as his loan at the Catalan club expired.
Rashford remains contracted to Manchester United until June 2028, but he has not featured for his parent club since December 2024 after falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Carrick, who was appointed manager on an interim basis in January 2026 following Amorim's departure, shares a long history with Rashford, having played alongside him and later coached him under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Sun first reported in mid-June that Carrick had been in regular contact with Rashford and had sounded out senior members of the squad over his potential reintegration.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt suggested Carrick's character will ensure Rashford is treated fairly should he report back for the new campaign.
"He might be forced back to United, at least for the pre-season, " Butt said, according to LiveScore. "Knowing Michael Carrick, he will be receptive to any player coming into training and pre-season.
He won't just f*** people off, he's not that kind of person."
Rashford's high wages at Old Trafford continue to complicate any permanent move elsewhere, strengthening the case for a reintegration under Carrick.
He is currently with the England squad at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning any return to club training will be subject to post-tournament recovery windows.
The forward's reintegration now hinges on the World Cup schedule and his rest period, with Carrick set to assess his options once the England contingent reports back. Stay with DasFootball for the latest updates.
