Michael Carrick has refused to rule out the prospect of Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United once his loan spell at Barcelona comes to an end.
England forward Rashford has not played for United since December 2024 and spent last season on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barca for the current campaign.
The 28-year-old has had a solid season with the La Liga leaders, but it has emerged that Barcelona are unsure about activating a £26.1 million ($35.2 million) release clause to make the move permanent.
That could leave Rashford’s future in limbo ahead of the summer he hopes to spend with England at the World Cup in North America.
Rashford has two years left on a lucrative contract that will increase by 25 percent next season if United qualify for the Champions League.
Asked about Rashford’s possible return to Old Trafford, United interim boss Carrick told reporters on Friday: «I just think decisions have to be made in time on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.
«But at this point nothing has been decided. And it will be, because it has to happen at some point, but at this stage nothing can be said.»
Third-placed United can move a step closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League if they beat sixth-placed Chelsea on Saturday.
United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could return from injury at Stamford Bridge after becoming a key player under Carrick.
Like Rashford, 20-year-old Mainoo’s future appeared to be in jeopardy under former United boss Ruben Amorim.
United defender Harry Maguire is another player whose revival under Carrick Rashford could offer hope of a return to his boyhood club.
“Certainly from my perspective, whoever is here, I want to work with them, get the best out of them and help them improve,” Carrick said.
“So at the moment it’s this squad of players, and obviously players have been loaned out, and whatever happens to that later will happen to that later.»
Published on April 18, 2026
