Marcus Rashford is winning praise from Manchester United staff after returning to the club from his loan spell at Barcelona, despite continued uncertainty over where his future lies.
Sources at United’s training ground say the 28-year-old has fully accepted what could be viewed as a difficult situation and has worked relentlessly since reporting back for pre-season. Rashford, who made his first-team debut for his boyhood club, has made an increasingly positive impression on those around the team.
There is growing belief at Old Trafford that Rashford could remain at Manchester United beyond the close of the transfer window. With more than two weeks still to go before the window shuts, the possibility of him staying is said to be increasing by the day.
If that outcome is confirmed, there is cautious optimism that it could represent a fresh chapter in Rashford’s long career with United. His relationship with the club has not always been straightforward, but his attitude since returning has encouraged people inside the club.
The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick held a lengthy discussion with Rashford before the player came back to the club. Carrick played alongside Rashford and spoke to him after Barcelona decided not to activate a £26m purchase option included in the loan agreement.
Rashford’s spell in Catalonia was considered successful, but Barcelona chose not to make the move permanent. Other clubs have also shown an interest in the England international, although no transfer has been completed so far.
Rashford rejoined his team-mates on 9 August. Since then, he has met many of the staff who have arrived at Manchester United since his previous time at the club and has seen the club’s revamped training facilities. The Carrington site has undergone a major £50m redevelopment.
Sources told the newspaper that Rashford has again shown a strong desire to help the club’s younger players. In particular, he has taken an interest in 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, the highly rated prospect who has received considerable praise for his performances at youth level.
He has also spent time with 19-year-old winger Shea Lacey and quickly renewed his relationship with England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo.
Rashford is also known to be close to Youri Tielemans following his loan spell during his time at Aston Villa. Tielemans joined Manchester United from Birmingham earlier in the summer, giving Rashford another familiar figure within the squad.
The forward’s return comes as Manchester United assess their options before the transfer deadline. Although his long-term position remains unresolved and interest from elsewhere has not disappeared, his conduct in training has strengthened the view that he could stay.
One observer told the Daily Mail: “He is clearly making a conscious effort to make a good second impression.”
