Marcus Rashford is expected to make his first appearance for Manchester United in over 18 months when they face AC Milan in their final pre-season friendly today. The 29-year-old forward has returned to his boyhood club after a loan spell at Aston Villa and Barcelona, and new manager Michael Carrick has decided to give him a second chance.
Rashford's Return and Squad Reaction
Rashford's career at Old Trafford appeared to be over after he was axed from the first-team by Ruben Amorim in December 2025, before being shipped off on loan. Surprisingly, Barcelona chose not to trigger the buy-out option in his contract, and with no other top European club looking to sign him, he has returned to Manchester.
According to the Daily Mail, the squad has received his return 'extremely well received', with players impressed by his work ethic on the training ground. This is a far cry from the player Amorim had made him out to be.
Teammates Praise Rashford's Commitment
Youri Tielemans, United's £35million summer signing, has publicly expressed his delight with Rashford after playing alongside him during the loan spell at Aston Villa last year. Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, Tielemans said: 'He's got amazing qualities. And I mean, his touch, his acceleration, his finishing, you know, his qualities on the ball. But then I think what surprised me most with him was his commitment.'
Tielemans added: 'You know, there was such a big thing made out of him that he wasn't committed or wasn't in it for the right reasons or whatever. And you see the player coming in and it's completely opposite from what you hear. He was committed. He was doing the work. He was positive with everyone. You know, he was just a normal guy.'
Rashford's Role and Upcoming Fixtures
Rashford has only just returned to training after helping England finish third at the World Cup. Ironically, his first game back for United will be against a side managed by Amorim, who is now at AC Milan. It has been confirmed that Rashford will wear the No.14 shirt after his prized No.10 was handed to Matheus Cunha last summer.
Following the Milan friendly, United kick off their season with a trip to newly promoted Hull City next Saturday. Rashford's return is seen as a significant boost for the squad, with his qualities and commitment now recognised by his teammates.
