Carrick eager to welcome Rashford back to Manchester United

Michael Carrick says he is looking forward to working with Marcus Rashford again after the England forward returned to Manchester United following his season-long loan spell at Barcelona.

Rashford has not yet spoken to United manager Carrick since arriving back at the club, but the pair are expected to meet when the full squad gathers in Dublin in the coming days.

“I’m looking forward to Marcus Rashford coming back,” Carrick said at a news conference. “This period of preparation has been a different chapter, but it will be good for all of us to meet in Dublin over the next few days.”

Carrick added: “I played with him and was involved in the game in which he made his debut, so we have a shared history.”

The United manager said the entire squad would be available in Dublin next week, where they will face Leeds United on Wednesday.

“We will have the full team in Dublin next week. We will travel there directly and face Leeds on Wednesday,” he said. “We have a couple of days in Dublin, during which the whole squad will be together, including Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.”

Carrick said he had not yet discussed the new season with Rashford but expected that conversation to take place soon.

“I haven’t spoken to Rashford about anything yet. I will see him shortly in training and we will talk about the plan for the new season,” he said.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, making 49 appearances in all competitions. He scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists during his time in Spain.

Among his most notable contributions was a free-kick goal in El Clasico, which helped Barcelona secure the La Liga title. Rashford also won the Spanish league and Spanish Super Cup with the club.

The 28-year-old posted a farewell message to Barcelona supporters on his official X account after the end of his loan spell.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Barcelona for making my time here a positive and unforgettable experience. I enjoyed every moment and will carry many special memories with me,” he wrote.

“I wish the club and all of its supporters the very best, and hope they achieve every success next season.”

Rashford’s contract with Manchester United runs until the summer of 2028.

United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in their latest pre-season friendly. Bryan Mbeumo scored for the English club, while Ibrahim Mbaye was on target for Paris Saint-Germain.

The match was United’s fourth preparation game, with two more scheduled before the start of the new campaign.

They began their pre-season with a 1-0 defeat by Wrexham before responding with a 5-0 victory against Rosenborg and a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. Their remaining friendlies are against Leeds United and Milan.

Manchester United will begin the new season against Hull City at a stadium that is set to welcome top-flight football again after the club’s return to the Premier League.