Michael Carrick leaves door open for Marcus Rashford to return to Manchester United | OneFootball

Michael Carrick has left the door open for Marcus Rashford to return to Manchester United this summer. 

Rashford is on a season-long loan at Barcelona after falling out of favour at Old Trafford. 

The Spanish giants can sign him permanently for £26 million, but it is uncertain whether they will trigger that option. 

Carrick didn’t rule out Rashford returning to United in his press conference ahead of this weekend’s visit to Chelsea. 

He said: “There are decisions to be made on certain things, and Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided.

“It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

Rashford has done relatively well since joining Barcelona on loan, bagging 12 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. 

However, he has failed to establish himself as a regular starter, and his form has declined in 2026. 

It looked certain that Barca would trigger the buy option a few months ago, but they are now doubtful about spending a significant portion of their summer budget on Rashford. 

The Blaugrana haven’t made a final decision, but they feel the £26m outlay for the 28-year-old is excessive in the current market. 

The Red Devils remain firm on their stance that either the amount is paid or the striker returns to Manchester. 

Rashford is one of the best talents to emerge from United’s youth academy. 

He scored 138 goals in 426 senior appearances, helping them win two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.

Rashford left to join Barcelona after struggling for game time under former manager Ruben Amorim. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.