Michael Carrick Eyes Marcus Rashford Return to Man Utd Despite Barcelona Revival

Marcus Rashford’s career has taken another unexpected twist, and once again Manchester United find themselves at the centre of a familiar debate. According to reports in England, interim United boss Michael Carrick would be open — even keen — on welcoming Rashford back to Old Trafford next season, should he be handed the job on a permanent basis.

It is a development that feels both bold and complicated. Rashford, once the face of United’s academy-to-first-team dream, is currently on loan at Barcelona, where he appears to have rediscovered not just form, but a sense of freedom. The England international has spoken little publicly since his move to Spain, yet those close to him insist there is a noticeable change: the pressure has eased, the scrutiny has softened, and perhaps most tellingly, the smile is back.

Barcelona, fresh from reclaiming the La Liga title under Hansi Flick, hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent this summer. Flick, by all accounts, is impressed. United, meanwhile, are at a crossroads — unsure of their long-term managerial future and still wrestling with decisions made during a turbulent period under previous regimes.

At the heart of it all is Rashford himself: a player whose talent has never been questioned, but whose relationship with his boyhood club became increasingly strained.

Why Michael Carrick Wants Marcus Rashford Back at Man Utd

Michael Carrick’s reported stance is significant precisely because of who he is. A former United midfielder, a dressing-room leader during the club’s last truly successful era, and someone who knows Rashford personally from his early days around the first team, Carrick understands the environment at Old Trafford better than most.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick would be open to bringing Rashford back if he remains in charge next season. That desire marks a sharp contrast to the approach of former head coach Ruben Amorim, under whom Rashford was effectively frozen out.

Amorim’s stance was blunt, at times brutally so. When questioned about Rashford’s absence earlier this season, he famously remarked that he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench than select a player who did not give “everything” for the team. The message was unmistakable: Rashford was not part of his plans.

Carrick, however, is said to view the situation differently. Sources suggest he believes Rashford still has a major role to play at United — not just because of his ability, but because of what he represents. A local lad, a proven Premier League performer, and a player who, at his best, changes games.

Yet even with Carrick’s support, a return is far from straightforward.

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Why a Rashford Return to Man Utd Still Feels Unlikely

Despite Carrick’s apparent interest, the same report admits it is “hard to see” Rashford returning to Old Trafford in the near future. There are several reasons for that.

First, there is the financial reality. United were keen to ease Rashford’s sizeable salary off their wage bill when the opportunity arose. His contract runs until 2028, but his earnings remain among the highest at the club — a sensitive issue as United attempt to rebalance their finances.

Second, Rashford himself appears content in Spain. Those close to the forward say he is “happy” at Barcelona, enjoying both the football and the lifestyle. The relentless spotlight he faced in Manchester has dimmed, replaced by a more collective culture where individual blame is less intense.

Third, there is Hansi Flick. The Barcelona coach has made no secret of his admiration for Rashford, praising his pace, finishing and overall quality.

“I’m very happy with Marcus Rashford,” Flick said earlier this season. “Speed, finishing, control — he has amazing quality, really.”

That kind of backing matters. At United, Rashford often felt he was one poor performance away from becoming the symbol of everything that was going wrong. At Barcelona, he is part of a wider system, rotated sensibly and shielded from carrying the entire emotional weight of the club.

Rashford ‘Rediscovers His Smile’ Away From Old Trafford

Perhaps the most telling detail to emerge from recent reports is the idea that Rashford has “got his smile back”. It is a simple phrase, but one loaded with meaning.

At Manchester United, Rashford was rarely allowed anonymity. When results dipped, attention turned to him — his body language, his work rate, his interviews, even his off-field commitments. Win or lose, he was often the focal point of analysis.

At Barcelona, the dynamic is different.

A source close to the player explained it clearly:
“The thing about Barcelona is that when something goes wrong or they lose, the inquest is not always about Marcus. That was never the case at Manchester United. There it felt like it was always on him.”

That shift has been liberating. Rashford has made 31 appearances for Barcelona this season, starting 18 of those matches. He is not always first choice, with Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal often preferred in the wide roles. Crucially, Rashford appears comfortable with that reality.

Another source added:
“He is not one of the main players, like Yamal, and maybe he is liking it that way. He has even gone unnoticed a little — if you can go unnoticed playing for Barcelona — and has kept his head down. The attention tends to be elsewhere.”

For a player who has carried so much expectation from such a young age, that relative calm could be invaluable.

Barcelona’s Rotation Policy Suits Rashford

Hansi Flick’s approach has also helped Rashford settle. The German coach is known for rotating his squad, managing minutes carefully and maintaining intensity across competitions. That philosophy has allowed Rashford to contribute without being overburdened.

While his numbers may not scream superstardom, his influence is felt in other ways — stretching defences, creating space for others, and offering a different profile to Barcelona’s attack. Flick values that variety, especially across a long season.

Rashford’s willingness to accept rotation, rather than demand guaranteed starts, has impressed those within the club. It also speaks to a player perhaps enjoying football for what it is again, rather than what it represents.

What This Means for Michael Carrick and Man Utd

Carrick’s interest in Rashford also says something about his vision for Manchester United. Since stepping into the interim role, Carrick has overseen impressive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, restoring belief among supporters and players alike.

Those results have sparked conversations about whether Carrick deserves a longer opportunity. His calm demeanour, clear communication and connection to the club’s identity have resonated with fans desperate for stability.

A Rashford return, under Carrick, would symbolise reconciliation — a chance to rebuild trust between player and club. But it would also require structural change: clarity from the board, a defined footballing philosophy, and a media environment less inclined to turn individuals into scapegoats.

Without those changes, the risk of history repeating itself is obvious.

What Comes Next for Marcus Rashford?

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As things stand, Rashford’s future remains open. Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently. United have a contract tying him to Old Trafford until 2028. Carrick, potentially, wants him back. Flick wants him to stay.

For now, Rashford seems focused on finishing the season strongly in Spain, enjoying football again and contributing without the suffocating pressure he left behind.

United, meanwhile, host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to build on recent momentum under Carrick. Whether Rashford watches that match with nostalgia, relief, or quiet uncertainty is anyone’s guess.

What is clear is this: Marcus Rashford’s story at Manchester United may not be finished — but if it is to be rewritten, it will need a very different ending from the one that sent him searching for a smile in Barcelona.