Man United 'surprised' by Marcus Rashford twist as Michael Carrick plan revealed
Manchester United were left "surprised" when Barcelona opted against triggering their buy option for Marcus Rashford last month.
The Red Devils had planned for the 28-year-old to be sold permanently this summer, and believed the cut-price agreement in his loan deal would be a no-brainer for the Spanish club.
However, following a short break after the World Cup, he will return to Carrington for pre-season preparations as part of Michael Carrick's squad.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Carrick is now planning to use Rashford as part of his squad rather than pushing him out.
There is a feeling that the issues which first pushed the winger away from Manchester under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim can now be brushed aside as a new era begins.
While the lingering interest in Rashford could still result in a move, with his exit not ruled out, the club are currently working towards having him as part of their squad.
Will Marcus Rashford return to Man United?
Brown first told Football Insider last month that Rashford could become a key part of Carrick's plans for the upcoming season as he prepares to return to Man United.
The boss believes the 28-year-old would be an ideal fit for his system as he aims to improve his options on the left wing given a lack of depth in his current squad.
Rashford's return could also allow United to save money on the signing of a new winger, given his clear talent, if he managed to make the spot his own during pre-season.
"Man United didn't expect Marcus Rashford to return this season," Brown told Football Insider.
"Of course, he's always still been a Man United player, so after his loan spell with Barcelona he was always going to return, but they expected him to be sold before pre-season.
"They were very surprised that Barcelona decided against that deal, because £26million for a player of Marcus Rashford's quality is a no-brainer.
"But their loss is Man United's gain as far as Michael Carrick is concerned, and he will have a role to play in pre-season to show that he deserves a place in the squad.
"Marcus obviously had his issues at Man United, but they were two managers ago now, and it's going to be a fresh start under Carrick.
"They've been after a new winger, and having Rashford back in as part of the plans will be a huge boost in that position, so it seems like it could really work out for everybody."
Which clubs are still interested in signing Rashford?
Despite Barcelona having opted against a permanent move for Rashford, there is no shortage of clubs across Europe and in England who are keen to bring him in.
As has been reported elsewhere, the opportunity to join an elite European club would be enough to tempt the England international away, providing a deal can be agreed.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 June that Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Rashford and are considering him among other targets to bolster out wide.
The opportunity to join Bayern, where he would play alongside international teammate Harry Kane, has been tipped as the "perfect" move for the Man United man.
Meanwhile, a number of English clubs including both Newcastle United and Tottenham have been long-term admirers of Rashford and could make moves to tempt him away.