The unlikely reunion between Marcus Rashford and Manchester United is nearing completion after his season-long loan at Barcelona. Despite scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists as Barca won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, the Catalan club declined to activate the £26m buy clause, instead signing Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon.

Rashford, contracted until 2028 on £325,000 a week, remains United's top earner as minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to control wage costs. His return impacts United's search for a left-sided attacker and available wage budget. Manager Michael Carrick, who played alongside Rashford for three seasons and briefly managed him in 2021, is said to have a strong relationship with the forward.

Rashford sits 15th on United's all-time scorers list with 138 goals. While some fans question his commitment following a fallout with former boss Ruben Amorim, others believe the local lad can thrive under Carrick. United insist no cut-price deal or loan will be sanctioned, with the transfer window closing 1 September.