Michael Carrick still hasn't given up! He hopes to bring Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United, but prominent media reveal why it's unlikely.
On 31 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Michael Carrick, the interim manager of Manchester United, was reported to want to bring Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford if he is appointed permanent manager next season.
Rashford moved on loan from the "Red Devils" to Barcelona this season after being out of Ruben Amorim's plans. He has impressed by scoring 9 goals and providing 9 assists in 31 matches, including 5 goals in the UEFA Champions League. This has led Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick to want to sign him permanently, although questions remain whether Barcelona can afford the £26 million (about $35.5 million) transfer fee.
However, The Telegraph reports that the chance of Rashford returning to Manchester United is still considered "unlikely."
Previously, Ruben Amorim, United’s former head coach, had sarcastically said he would rather field a 63-year-old goalkeeper coach as a substitute than a player who doesn't give 100% when asked about Rashford.
At the same time, United wants to relieve itself of the hefty wages of the 28-year-old forward, who is still under contract with the club until 2028.
Reports also reveal Rashford is happy playing for Barcelona. Hansi Flick wants to sign him permanently, and those close to Rashford confirm he "has found his smile again."
Another reason is that at Manchester United, Rashford faced heavy media pressure, which is not the case at Barcelona. A source said, "When Barcelona have problems or lose, criticism does not always target Marcus. At Manchester United, it felt like everything was on him alone."
Although Rashford has not always been a starter (starting 18 of 31 matches) because Flick prefers rotation, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal often starting ahead, it does not seem to be a problem. "He is not a mainstay like Yamal, and maybe he prefers it that way. He is quite quiet and focuses on his work. Attention often goes to others."
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