Marcus Rashford backed by Michael Carrick after Manchester United return

Markus Rashford has “been fantastic” since returning to Manchester United, manager Michael Carrick says, after the England forward helped the club respond to their opening-day defeat with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.

Rashford spent much of the previous two seasons on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona after falling out of favour under former United manager Ruben Amorim. Barcelona chose not to take up their option to sign the 28-year-old permanently, allowing him to return to Old Trafford under Carrick.

He was one of four changes made by Carrick following United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat by Hull City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Rashford played an important part in a significantly improved performance against Ipswich, although Bruno Fernandes was the decisive figure with a hat-trick.

Carrick was pleased to see Rashford back in the Manchester United side and believes the forward has seized the opportunity to revive his career at the club.

“He’s added to the group for us, for sure, because it’s pretty obvious,” Carrick said.

“I think he’s making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He’s one of our own. He’s living his dream, playing here now, and trying to be successful and win.

“At this club, there is always players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn’t leave. It’s always about what you do next, and what your intentions are.

“He’s been fantastic since he came back, I have to say. It was great to see him on the pitch today for us.”

Ipswich took the lead, but Fernandes brought United level with a powerful left-footed finish. The Portugal midfielder then converted a penalty before completing his hat-trick with a close-range effort in the second half.

Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year for last season earlier this week and again demonstrated why Carrick regards him as one of the leaders in his squad.

“He’s got a lot of experience now to pass on to others and show them the way a little bit as well and lead by example,” Carrick said.

“Sometimes you’re looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else and he did that today particularly well. He offers us a lot.”

Carrick was appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager after guiding the club to third place in the Premier League during an impressive interim spell last season.

The club’s poor display against Hull had quickly weakened hopes that the momentum built last season could develop into a title challenge. However, Carrick was particularly encouraged by the response his players produced after falling behind against Ipswich, saying their mentality was as important as the five goals they scored.

“That’s probably the biggest thing to take,” Carrick said.

“There’s a lot of highlights and there’s a lot of really good football, but that mentality was what we really relied on today.”

Manchester United will aim to build on their first victory of the season when they travel to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next Sunday.