Marcus Rashford’s stance on Manchester United return emerges after Carrick interest

February 2, 2026 Oliver Obel

Marcus Rashford’s immediate focus appears to be on his present rather than a possible return to Manchester United, as he continues his loan spell with Barcelona.

The England international joined the Catalan club for the season, with Barcelona holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign. His future has become a talking point amid ongoing change behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

From academy product to uncertain exit

Rashford’s ties to United run deep. A graduate of the club’s academy, he went on to score 138 goals in 426 appearances across all competitions and collected major honours, including two FA Cups and the Europa League.

That long association, however, began to unravel last season. Rashford has not played for United since December 2024 after falling out of favour under then head coach Ruben Amorim, having already spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aston Villa.

Part of a wider clear-out

Rashford’s situation was not isolated. Last summer, he was among a group of senior players asked to train away from the main squad as United reshaped their plans.

Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia were also included. Garnacho and Antony later secured permanent exits to Chelsea and Real Betis, Sancho joined Villa on loan, while Malacia remained at United and has since worked his way back into the first-team setup.

A more stable role in Spain

Barcelona have offered Rashford a clearer platform. He has featured regularly for the club, scoring 10 goals in 32 appearances, and has already added to his honours by lifting the Supercopa de Espana.

Those performances stand in contrast to the uncertainty that marked his final months at United and have helped him settle quickly into his new surroundings.

United changes, different priorities

Since Rashford’s departure, United have undergone another managerial shift. Amorim was dismissed earlier this season, with Michael Carrick appointed as interim head coach until the end of the campaign.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick would be open to keeping Rashford at the club should he remain in charge on a permanent basis. Rashford’s own focus, however, appears to be elsewhere.

Romano: Rashford “very happy” at Barca

Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said Rashford is fully settled in Barcelona and not considering a return to Manchester.

“For Marcus Rashford, there’s no obligation to buy — it’s a loan with a buy option for €30 million,” Romano said, adding that the forward is “very happy with the city, with the league, with the club, with the manager, and with the teammates.”

While Barcelona have yet to decide whether to activate their option, Rashford’s attention remains firmly on his new chapter in Catalonia rather than a reunion with his boyhood club.

Sources: The Telegraph, Fabrizio Romano