Michael Carrick has moved to clarify Marcus Rashford's status at Manchester United after the forward was left out of the matchday squad for the club's 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Croke Park in Dublin, insisting the England international remains firmly part of his plans.
Rashford's absence had raised eyebrows given the buildup to what many expected to be an emotional return to United colours after 19 months away from the club. The 27-year-old had not featured for United since December 2024, before spending the remainder of that season on loan at Aston Villa. He then moved to Barcelona on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign, a period during which he had fallen out of favour under previous manager Ruben Amorim and was part of what became known as United's 'bomb squad' of unwanted players.
Despite holding an option to sign Rashford permanently, Barcelona opted to strengthen elsewhere, bringing in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. That decision paved the way for Rashford's return to Old Trafford, where he has since been welcomed back into the first-team setup.
The forward linked up with his United teammates in Ireland following an extended break, having been part of England's squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Many anticipated he would feature at least briefly against Leeds, a side he is familiar with from his time in English football, but he did not make the squad at all for the friendly.
Speaking to MUTV before kick-off at Croke Park, Carrick explained the reasoning behind the decision, revealing that Rashford was one of three players being carefully managed ahead of the new season. "Marcus, Licha [Martinez] and Kobbie [Mainoo] aren't quite ready yet. We're preserving them for this weekend," Carrick said, suggesting the trio would instead be involved when United face AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture.
After the final whistle in Dublin, Carrick was pressed further on Rashford's situation given the swirl of transfer speculation that has followed the player throughout the summer. The United manager was unequivocal in dismissing any suggestion that Rashford could leave the club again this window.
"He's our player," Carrick told ITV. "He's come back great. He's just like any other player. I've known him a long time and he gives us something a little bit different. We're looking forward to the start of the season."
Carrick's comments carry extra weight given his own recent elevation to permanent manager at Old Trafford, a role he secured after guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season. His long association with Rashford, dating back to his time on United's coaching staff, appears to have played a part in the decision to reintegrate the forward rather than sanction another exit.
United will now shift focus to their meeting with Amorim's AC Milan, the final test of their pre-season schedule before the serious business begins. The Red Devils open their Premier League campaign away at newly-promoted Hull City, a fixture that could offer the first glimpse of Rashford back in United's starting lineup should he be deemed ready by Carrick and his coaching staff.
For now, supporters will have to wait a little longer to see whether Rashford can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting forwards to emerge from United's academy, as the club looks to build fresh momentum under its new permanent manager.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).