Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United, almost two years after his last appearance for the club.
Rashford, 28, made 426 appearances for United after coming through the academy yet his career at Old Trafford appeared to be over after a falling out with Ruben Amorim.
That saw the former Red Devils boss freeze out the forward, with Rashford spending time away on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
However, the Spanish giants declined to trigger a £26million option to buy him before their deadline in mid-June – despite head coach Hansi Flick admitting recently that he will miss the player – and no other clubs have been prepared to meet United’s £40m valuation.
And on Sunday, Rashford was seen returning to the club’s Carrington training base for pre-season training, a moment many thought would never happen.
The 28-year-old, whose last game for United came on December 12, 2024 against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, was granted some extra time off after his exploits at the World Cup with England.
Marcus Rashford has returned to Man United, nearly two years after his last appearance
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona and his United career appeared to be over
As he arrived, Rashford stopped to greet adoring fans, with the forward saying ‘thanks’ as several of them welcomed him back.
He then posed for photos and headed on into United’s base.
Michael Carrick had confirmed on Saturday that Rashford would join his squad as they head to the Republic of Ireland for the next stage of their pre-season, with Rashford set to imminently fly to Dublin to meet up with his team-mates.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this week that as it stands, the feeling at United and within Rashford’s camp is that he is likely to play for his boyhood club next season.
But with a month of the transfer window remaining, there is still uncertainty over his future.
Speaking after United’s 1-1 draw against PSG, Carrick had been asked about Rashford’s impending return.
He said: ‘I’ve played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history.
‘We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together.
‘Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie (Mainoo) and Lisandro (Martinez). We look forward to seeing them.’
Rashford posed for photos with fans and signed memorabilia as he arrived at United’s base
Meanwhile, back in April, the United boss appeared to extend an olive branch to Rashford when questioned on his future.
‘There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation,’ he added.
‘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 scored 14 goals and provided as many assists at Barcelona last season and had indicated his desire to remain at the Nou Camp.
‘I’m not a magician but if I was, I would stay,’ he said in May. ‘It’s really good. I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can.
‘This team is a wonderful team. They’re going to win so much in the future as well. To be a part of that would be special.’
