Michael Carrick refused to shut the door on Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United, speaking on Friday ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge, as uncertainty grows over the forward’s loan spell at FC Barcelona.
Rashford has not pulled on a United shirt since December 2024. He spent time at Aston Villa before heading to Barcelona, where he has delivered a steady, if not spectacular, campaign.
Barcelona now hesitate over a reported £26.1 million clause. That hesitation leaves Rashford in limbo at the worst possible time, with a World Cup summer looming.
Carrick refused to be drawn into speculation. “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.” He chose his words carefully, but the message feels clear: nothing moves yet.
“But at this point in time nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.” That sounds like a holding pattern, not a closed door.
Rashford still holds two years on his United deal. If United secure Champions League football, his wages will climb again, which complicates any permanent exit.
Carrick’s stance contrasts with the past. Under Ruben Amorim, Rashford drifted towards the exit, seeking a fresh challenge.
Now the narrative shifts. Carrick focuses on players in front of him but leaves space for those on loan.
“Certainly from my perspective, whoever’s here, I want to work with, make the best out of and help them improve.” That line keeps Rashford in the conversation, even from a distance.
“So at the moment, it’s this squad of players, and there’s obviously players on loan, and whatever happens with that later on will happen with that later on.” It sounds neutral, but it keeps options alive.
