Michael Carrick labeled Marcus Rashford 'our player' amidst speculation surrounding his future -Credit:Charles McQuillan, Getty Images Michael Carrick has indicated that Marcus Rashford will remain at Manchester United, emphasizing that he's 'our player.' Rashford, 28, returned to United for preseason training on Monday after months of speculation regarding his future. The England international had hoped to join Barcelona on a permanent basis, but the La Liga champions opted not to activate their £26 million ($34.8 million) option to buy clause following his season-long loan. United subsequently placed a £40 million ($53 million) price tag on Rashford, yet nothing has materialized with less than three weeks until the summer transfer window closes. Now back with his United teammates, the forward appears set to remain at Old Trafford for the long term. Rashford could make his first appearance for his boyhood club since December 2024, when United faces AC Milan - now led by ex-United boss Ruben Amorim - in their final preseason friendly on Saturday, having not been ready for Wednesday's interrupted match against Leeds United in Dublin, as per The Mirror.
Kylian Mbappe drops World Cup truth bomb after absurd third-place loss to England Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments -Credit:Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images At Croke Park, Carrick was questioned about Rashford's future and told ITV Sport: "He's our player and he's come back great. He's just like any other player. "I've known Marcus a long time and he gives us something a little bit different. And he's been in great spirits since he's been back. He's been back two or three days training and it's just pretty normal, to be honest. And we're looking forward to the start of the season." Carrick played alongside Rashford when the forward broke into the first team as a teenager, and later coached him under both José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The United manager will be eager to unlock the best from Rashford, who registered 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona. However, rather than securing him on a permanent basis, Barca have opted for a different approach. Hansi Flick has brought in Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon for £70 million ($81.7 million) and Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi for £18.8 million ($25.2 million), overhauling his attacking options following the exits of Rashford, Robert Lewandowski and the imminent departure of Ferran Torres, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE Flick said last month after Barça signed Gordon: "You don't know what happens with players who are on loan - our situation is not easy for that. "But I appreciate working with him. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. The team miss him, I will miss him, but it is life. This is what we have to accept. "And in the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he is on fire with Barça and I'm really happy that he's on our team."