A Marcus Rashford return to Manchester United action could come against former manager Ruben Amorim, with the forward due back at Carrington following his post-World Cup break.
Rashford is among the final group of United players expected to report for pre-season next week after Barcelona decided against turning his season-long loan into a permanent transfer.
The 28-year-old could then be involved in United’s remaining friendlies, creating the possibility of an extraordinary reunion when Michael Carrick’s side face Amorim’s AC Milan on 15 August.
The Sun reports that the Milan fixture could become Rashford’s first United appearance since December 2024, when his relationship with Amorim deteriorated before he eventually left Old Trafford on loan.
Marcus Rashford return gives Carrick another option
Rashford’s situation has changed considerably since the start of the summer.
Barcelona declined to activate their permanent purchase option, while United have so far resisted the possibility of another straightforward loan to the Catalan club.
There remains transfer interest elsewhere, but Rashford is now increasingly likely to be reintegrated if an acceptable deal does not arrive.
ReadManUtd reported earlier this week that Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs to have monitored his situation, although United are reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival.
Carrick has a very different relationship with Rashford to his predecessor. The pair were United team-mates before Carrick moved into coaching, and reports throughout the summer have suggested there is a willingness on both sides to work together again.
No decision over Rashford’s long-term future has been finalised.
However, the prospect of him pulling on a United shirt again has become increasingly realistic. Doing so for the first time against the manager who previously left him out of the team would add another layer to an already intriguing final pre-season fixture.
