This week, all attention will be focused on Marcus Rashford as the English striker prepares to return to Manchester United after successively playing for Aston Villa and Barcelona on loan.
Rashford has not played for Man United in the Premier League since December 2024. Barcelona once had the right to buy him outright for £26 million but decided not to activate this clause, thereby paving the way for the 28-year-old striker to return to Old Trafford.
Rashford's return brings another important option for coach Michael Carrick. He can take on the left winger position, while also playing a backup role in the center forward position.
In the context that Benjamin Sesko has not yet played in the pre-season due to injury, and Patrick Dorgu's most suitable position has not yet been determined, Rashford becomes even more useful for Man United.
Carrick also publicly welcomed his former student. "This week we have a full squad in Dublin. We will fly straight there and have a few days for the whole team to gather again. Marcus Rashford is also among them" - the Man United coach confirmed.
Rashford has scored 87 goals in 287 appearances in the Premier League. He possesses a more direct playing style and better ability to create breakthroughs than Matheus Cunha, especially when positioned on the left flank.
However, the biggest question is whether Carrick can help Rashford regain his peak form. After the 2022 World Cup, the English striker went through a period of explosion with impressive scoring performance. But since then, his form has declined and is no longer valued under Erik ten Hag as well as Ruben Amorim.
Rashford once had a special time with Carrick. When the striker was only 18 years old, Carrick was the captain of Man United in the match against FC Midtjylland in 2016, when Rashford came on as a substitute and scored a double. Carrick then continued to work in the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, when Rashford became an important part of the squad.
That year-long relationship helps Carrick be expected to best develop the English striker's ability. Ashley Young also believes that Rashford is a suitable choice for the winger position and Carrick can help him regain his form.
Rashford will be reintegrated into the "Red Devils" squad during his training trip to Dublin this week. The friendly match with Leeds may be too early for Rashford to play, but the English striker is likely to have a chance in the next match.
Notably, Man United will meet Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland at the weekend. This could be a remarkable reunion as Amorim himself played an important role in the decision to let Rashford temporarily leave Old Trafford.
After a season full of upheavals, Rashford is facing the opportunity to start over at Man United. With Carrick on the coaching bench, the task is not only to bring Rashford back to the squad but also to revive the best version of the English striker.
