Michael Carrick leaves door open for Marcus Rashford return as England star faces uncertain future

Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United career could yet be reignited.

The forward, who has spent the season on loan at Barcelona, is pushing for a permanent switch to the La Liga giants.

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However, the Catalans are believed to be undecided on whether to sign the England international for £26million under the terms of the loan deal.

Rashford has registered 12 goals and 13 assists for Hansi Flick’s side this season in what looks set to be a successful La Liga title defence.

Barca are not closed to the idea of keeping Rashford at the club and saw their attempt to renegotiate the £26m fee rebuffed by United.

The clause expires on June 15 and at a time when Rashford could be competing in the World Cup with England.

Ideally, the forward will know where his future lies before the tournament kicks off but however that will depend on the outcome of scheduled talks between the two clubs at the end of the season.

What next for Rashford?

United could either opt to offer Rashford a fresh opportunity at Old Trafford or negotiate a deal with interested clubs.

But the star’s £315,000-a-week wages are likely to be a sticking point for prospective suitors.

The same can be said for United whose aim is to trim down their wage bill with Rashford among the club’s biggest earners.

Casemiro has announced his exit this summer while Jadon Sancho is also likely to end his association with the club this summer with Borussia Dortmund interested in the winger.

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has steered the club to the cusp of Champions League qualification since his arrival in January.

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And that has seen an upturn in form for a host of under-performing stars and most notably Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.

The opportunity to work with Carrick may appeal to Rashford but there is no guarantee that the ex-Manchester United midfielder will be in charge at the start of next season.

The door is open

Asked about Rashford’s future at the club, Carrick told reporters on Friday: “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.

“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say. I think to comment either way at this stage is just not the right thing to do, because there’s uncertainty.

“Certainly from my perspective, whoever’s here, I want to work with, make the best out of, and help them improve.

“So, at the moment, it’s this squad of players, and there’s obviously players on loan. Whatever happens with that later on will happen.

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“But certainly, as a coach, and as a leader of a squad, we want to get the best out of everyone as much as we possibly can, for sure.”

Pressed on United summer transfer plans, Carrick admits he has had no discussions around possible recruitment.

“Listen, there’s stages to go through in terms of the summer,” Carrick added. “There’s decisions to be made, of course there are, but then it’s timing – obviously my situation’s one thing, so it’s just working through that.

“There’s certainly conversations as we go, because that’s natural, but in terms of what’s going to happen exactly, that’s not something that I’ve committed to recruitment wise.

“We’ve certainly had conversations and that’s just natural. But I’m not really making a big thing of it, to be honest. I think that’ll happen in time anyway.”