Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United first-team setup as the club steps up preparations for the 2026/27 season under head coach Michael Carrick.
The England forward joined United’s squad at their pre-season training camp in County Kildare, Ireland, after completing his post-World Cup break. Manchester United confirmed his arrival as part of a group of players who joined the squad ahead of the next phase of pre-season preparations.
Rashford’s return marks an important moment in his Manchester United career after spending the previous season away from Old Trafford. He spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona, having previously enjoyed a loan spell at Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old is now back with Carrick’s squad as United prepare for their upcoming friendly against Leeds United at Croke Park on Wednesday, August 12. The club’s official fixture information confirms the meeting as part of United’s 2026 pre-season programme.
Carrick has already indicated that Rashford is part of the wider group being brought together for the Ireland camp. The manager, who previously played alongside Rashford at United, is now tasked with deciding how the forward fits into his plans for the new campaign.
Rashford’s return follows a period in which his long-term future at United had remained uncertain.
After his loan spell at Barcelona, reports suggested the Spanish club would not make the move permanent, leaving the forward to return to his parent club for pre-season. ESPN reported before his return that Rashford was expected to rejoin United’s squad in Ireland.
His return also comes after United’s recent 1-1 pre-season draw against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, where Bryan Mbeumo scored the equaliser for Carrick’s side.
United have continued their preparations with further friendlies against Leeds and AC Milan before beginning their Premier League campaign.
Rashford will now have the opportunity to impress Carrick during the remaining weeks of pre-season.
His performances could play an important role in determining whether he remains at Old Trafford for the 2026/27 campaign or whether his future lies elsewhere before the transfer window closes.
The forward remains under contract with United until June 2028, following the extension he signed with the club in 2023.
For now, Rashford’s immediate focus is on training with his teammates in Ireland and rebuilding his place in a Manchester United squad preparing for a new season under Carrick
