---
title: "Man Utd pause winger search as Marcus Rashford prepares for return"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/07/man-utd-pause-winger-search-as-marcus-rashford-prepares-for-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-07T09:54:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T20:10:55Z"
---

# Man Utd pause winger search as Marcus Rashford prepares for return

**The prospect of a Marcus Rashford return has become far more concrete, with the Manchester United forward reportedly preparing to rejoin Michael Carrick’s squad this weekend.**

[The Sun reports](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39990923/marcus-rashford-man-united-reunion/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) that Rashford will travel to Dublin on Sunday after completing his post-World Cup break. The 28-year-old has not trained with United since January 2025 following loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

United had been prepared to consider a permanent departure this summer. However, Barcelona decided against activating their option to sign him and another loan is reportedly not something United want to sanction.

> Our pre-season schedule is set! 🫡\
> \
> Sat 18 July: Wrexham in Helsinki 🇫🇮\
> Fri 24 July: Rosenborg in Norway 🇳🇴\
> Sat 1 Aug: Atleti in Stockholm 🇸🇪\
> Sat 8 Aug: PSG in Gothenburg 🇸🇪\
> Wed 12 Aug: Leeds in Dublin 🇮🇪\
> Sat 15 Aug: AC Milan in Wroclaw 🇵🇱
>
> — Manchester United (@ManUtd) [June 9, 2026](https://x.com/ManUtd/status/2064320605525246244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Marcus Rashford return changes United transfer plans

The biggest development could come elsewhere in United’s recruitment.

The same report claims United have paused plans to sign another winger because Rashford is increasingly expected to remain at Old Trafford. Attention can instead be directed towards strengthening Carrick’s defence before the transfer window closes.

It adds another option to a forward line already transformed this summer. [ReadManUtd looked on Friday at the excitement surrounding United’s rebuilt attack](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/07/united-attack-old-trafford-dreaming/), with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo joining Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee among Carrick’s options.

Rashford would bring another proven threat from the left if Carrick can successfully reintegrate him.

United face Leeds United in Dublin on Wednesday before completing pre-season against AC Milan three days later. Rashford could therefore receive an opportunity before United begin their Premier League campaign.

His situation still has time to change if a suitable permanent offer arrives. For now, though, Rashford appears increasingly likely to be part of Carrick’s squad when competitive football returns.