Rashford return: Carrick risks angering United with bold transfer decision | OneFootball

A move to Barcelona has had a rejuvenating impact on Marcus Rashford, who has so far largely made positive headlines in Spain.

On Wednesday, the Manchester United loanee scored Barcelona’s first direct free-kick in the Champions League since 2019, when Lionel Messi rattled the net against Liverpool.

Rashford has been directly involved in 21 goals for Barca across all competitions under Hansi Flick, who is keen to keep the Englishman at Camp Nou beyond this campaign.

The Catalans want to sign Rashford permanently, but they are expected to haggle over United’s asking price of €30 million due to their never-ending financial predicament. As such, the 28-year-old’s future remains uncertain. 

Michael Carrick open to Marcus Rashford return

Marcus Rashford abruptly left his boyhood club after falling out with Ruben Amorim in 2024 December. The academy product had to initially go on loan to Aston Villa before sealing a dream switch to Barcelona.

However, early this month, United wielded the axe on Amorim after the Portuguese head coach’s outburst behind the scenes. Michael Carrick has replaced him on an interim basis.

According to The Telegraph, if Carrick is made United’s permanent head coach, then he would like Rashford back at Old Trafford. 

Marcus Rashford stats - 2025/26

The pair played alongside each other under Louis van Gaal. Furthermore, Rashford was the Red Devils’ most prolific forward during Carrick’s time on the touchline behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

The report, however, adds: “Given the manner of Rashford’s departure, and despite Ruben Amorim being dismissed, it is hard to see that happening.”

United have already taken the No 10. shirt off him and handed it to Matheus Cunha, and it is understood Rashford is happy in Spain.

Michael Carrick revives Kobbie Mainoo’s United career

Amorim also had a tricky relationship, to say the least, with another high-profile United academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo. 

Mainoo wanted to leave the Mancunians this month after struggling for regular opportunities under Amorim, who did not hand the talented midfielder a single Premier League start this term.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming that “a new contract was agreed by Mainoo last year but Ruben Amorim did not sign it off.”

However, Carrick has reinstated Mainoo to the starting line-up, and the 20-year-old is now in talks with United over a renewal.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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