Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United has been one of the stories of the summer, after Barcelona decided not to activate the £26 million option to sign him permanently following his loan spell. The Spanish giants instead turned their attention to other attacking targets, completing deals for Anthony Gordon worth £69 million and Karim Adeyemi for £25 million.

A £40 million release clause in Rashford’s contract expired on 15 July, with Liverpool and Manchester City specifically excluded from being able to trigger it. That meant any club hoping to sign the England international would now have to negotiate directly with Manchester United. 

Michael Carrick is reportedly open to bringing Rashford back into the squad, with the forward offering valuable depth on the left side of the attack. He could also provide an alternative in the middle if United decide to sell Joshua Zirkzee.

Rashford's familiarity with the club and experience at the highest level could therefore make him a useful squad player, particularly with United facing the demands of European football.

However, a return would not be without its complications. Rashford’s wages would make him one of the club’s highest earners, while his preferred position on the left could put him in direct competition with Matheus Cunha, who quickly became a favourite among supporters during his first season at Old Trafford.

Many United fans would undoubtedly welcome Rashford back, but the club must decide whether his experience and attacking qualities outweigh the financial cost and potential impact on the squad’s current balance.

Following Manchester United's 1-1 draw with PSG, Michael Carrick confirmed that Marcus Rashford would be joining up with the squad in Dublin ahead of their game against Leeds on the 12th, and the winger was already spotted returning to Carrington.

Now, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the overwhelming expectation is that Rashford will stay at Manchester United this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Man United really feeling that there is concrete, strong, likely chances to see Marcus Rashford staying at Manchester United.

“At the moment, there are no movements with other clubs. Rashford is not accepting Turkey or Saudi. These solutions are not interesting for Marcus Rashford. He is not going to consider that.

“And it’s not about the money, it’s not about the proposals. He doesn’t want to play in these clubs, at this stage of his career.

“So, for Rashford is stay at Man United or a very top, top club at the very end of the window. But at the moment, the most likely outcome is for Marcus Rashford to stay at United.

“United believe that at the end of the window, Rashford has a really big chance to stay at the club, to revive his career with Michael Carrick. So, strong, strong chances to see Marcus Rashford staying at Manchester United this summer.

“Obviously, Michael Carrick is a big factor because he will be very happy to continue with Marcus Rashford. He would be very happy to give him one more opportunity, so let’s follow the situation.”

Michael Carrick certainly has a selection headache going into next season, after Bryan Mbeumo impressed up front against PSG, while Amad and Dorgu also played well on either flank.

Rashford, who has primarily played as a left-winger throughout his career, is also no stranger to playing as a centre-forward, having featured there 168 times and scored 67 goals.

With Joshua Zirkzee showing he's not an out-and-out striker, Rashford could prove a suitable backup for Benjamin Šeško next season, after the 23-year-old enjoyed a great maiden campaign at Old Trafford, which unfortunately ended with a shin injury that has also hampered his pre-season.

While Rashford will almost certainly miss United's friendly against Leeds United, fans could see the academy product make his first United start in over 18 months against AC Milan, managed by Rúben Amorim in a very ironic twist of fate.