Marcus Rashford is set to be given plenty of opportunities to prove himself at Manchester United this season, with Michael Carrick prepared to give the England international a genuine chance to rebuild his career at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s future at the club had looked increasingly uncertain after his difficult final period under Ruben Amorim and subsequent loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, but the situation has changed significantly since Carrick took charge. The United manager has made it clear that Rashford remains part of his plans, and the forward’s return to the squad has opened the door for what could become one of the biggest comeback stories of the season. Carrick has a long history with Rashford, having been involved around the time of the forward’s breakthrough at United, and that relationship could prove important as the manager attempts to get the best out of a player who still possesses enormous attacking ability. Recent reports have indicated that Carrick is prepared to judge Rashford on his performances and attitude rather than allowing his previous difficulties to determine his future.
Rashford has already received a major indication that he will have opportunities this season after returning to the Manchester United starting lineup against Ipswich Town, his first start for the club since December 2024. The decision was significant because Rashford had only recently returned from his period away from Old Trafford, yet Carrick was willing to trust him with an important role as United looked to respond to their disappointing opening-day defeat against Hull City. That selection demonstrated that Rashford is not simply being kept around as a squad player waiting for a possible transfer. Carrick is prepared to put him on the pitch and give him the opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer. Rashford subsequently showed promising moments during the 5-2 victory over Ipswich, providing another reason for optimism that he can gradually become an important part of the squad again.
The biggest advantage Rashford has is that Manchester United still need the qualities he brings to the attack. His pace, direct running, ability to attack space and willingness to shoot from dangerous positions make him a different type of player from many of Carrick’s other attacking options. United have added several talented forwards, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but Rashford offers a particular profile that can be extremely useful against opponents who defend deep or leave space behind their defensive line. His ability to operate from the left and move into central positions gives Carrick tactical flexibility, while his experience of playing at the highest level means he can be trusted in important fixtures if he reaches the required level of consistency. With Manchester United back in the Champions League and facing a much heavier schedule, there will inevitably be opportunities for several attackers throughout the campaign.
Carrick is therefore unlikely to make Rashford’s return dependent on one or two performances. Instead, the manager appears to be giving him the chance to establish himself gradually and prove that he deserves regular football. There will be matches in which Rashford starts, matches in which he comes from the bench and matches in which Carrick decides another player is better suited to the opposition. That competition should not necessarily be interpreted as a lack of trust. In fact, it could be exactly what Rashford needs. For the first time in a long period, he has an opportunity to fight for his position rather than being completely excluded from the manager’s plans. Carrick’s approach appears to be simple: Rashford will receive chances, but he must take them. If he trains well, remains focused and performs consistently when selected, his opportunities should continue to increase.
There is also a growing belief within the Manchester United camp that Rashford can become a major asset again. Harry Maguire has publicly backed the forward and suggested that he can be a huge asset for the club if he maintains his focus and dedication. That support is important because Rashford is returning to an environment where expectations will be extremely high. He knows the supporters will be watching closely, particularly after everything that has happened during the last two seasons. Every goal, assist and strong performance will help rebuild confidence, while every poor display will inevitably bring more questions about whether he can truly return to his best. However, the early signs suggest that the club is prepared to give him the time and opportunities necessary to demonstrate that he still belongs at the highest level.
Rashford’s successful season in Spain should also give him confidence. During his loan spell with Barcelona, he produced 14 goals and 14 assists according to reports, showing that his attacking qualities have not disappeared. Although Barcelona ultimately did not make his move permanent, his performances demonstrated that he remains capable of contributing goals and assists at a major European club. That experience could now become useful at Manchester United because Rashford returns with something to prove. He has experienced football outside Old Trafford, dealt with uncertainty over his future and competed alongside elite players. Rather than viewing his return as a setback, he can use the experience as motivation to establish himself again at the club where he made his name.
The pressure on Rashford will undoubtedly be significant, but so will the opportunities. Manchester United are expected to play considerably more matches this season because of their return to the Champions League, meaning Carrick cannot rely on the same starting XI every week. Injuries, suspensions, fatigue, tactical changes and the demands of European football will force the manager to rotate his attacking players. That could be extremely beneficial for Rashford because even if he does not immediately become an undisputed starter, he should still receive numerous opportunities to influence matches. A strong performance from the bench could lead to a starting opportunity in the following game, while a good run of starts could establish him as one of Carrick’s preferred attacking options.
The message from Carrick appears to be increasingly clear: Rashford’s past will not automatically prevent him from having a future at Manchester United. The forward still has work to do, and there are no guarantees that he will start every important match, but the door is open. Carrick has already shown that he is willing to use him, and Rashford now has the responsibility to reward that trust. If he can maintain his fitness, improve his consistency and show the hunger required to compete for his place, there is every possibility that he could become one of the most important players in United’s attack this season.
For Rashford, this is much more than simply another season at Manchester United. It is an opportunity to rewrite the story surrounding his career at Old Trafford. A player who once looked destined to leave the club permanently now has another chance to prove that he can still make a difference in a Manchester United shirt. Carrick has provided the opportunity, the squad provides the platform and the schedule provides plenty of matches in which Rashford can make his case. The next step belongs entirely to the forward. If he takes his chances, scores important goals and consistently demonstrates the quality that made him one of England’s most exciting forwards, Manchester United could find themselves with a revitalised Rashford capable of playing a major role in their campaign. The chances are coming, and now Rashford must make sure he takes them.