Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has lauded Marcus Rashford’s comeback, calling the English forward “great” after he returned from an 18‑month loan spell that took him to Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Rashford reported back to United’s preseason camp in the Republic of Ireland, but fitness concerns kept him out of the friendly against Leeds United, a match that would have given him a chance to showcase his sharpness.
A key fixture in Poland
The next step in his integration comes when United face AC Milan in Poland, a fixture that also marks a reunion with former manager Ruben Amorim, and Carrick expects the player to see more minutes on the pitch.
Although Rashford was not a regular starter at Barcelona, he still managed 28 goal involvements across all competitions and reached a personal high of 30 goals in a single campaign, a tally that remains unmatched by any United player since 2013.
Carrick believes the return adds depth to areas that have been problematic, especially central midfield and the left‑back position, and could give the team more flexibility as the new season approaches.
With Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu sharing the left‑wing role last term, Rashford’s decision to stay provides a natural fit and reduces the urgency of searching for a replacement this summer.
The manager’s confidence in Rashford’s contribution reflects a broader view that the squad’s quality will improve when the player is fully fit and involved in competitive matches.