Manchester United's final pre-season game against AC Milan saw Marcus Rashford play a game for his boyhood club for the first time in over 18 months, performing well in his 30-minute cameo.

Rashford's transfer saga has been one of the stories of the summer, after Barcelona decided not to activate a £26 million option to buy clause following his loan spell in Spain, where he impressed.

Instead, the Spanish giants opted to sign Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi for a combined £94 million, as they look to retain their La Liga crown for the third successive season.

The 28-year-old had a £40 million release clause in his contract, which expired in mid-July, meaning any club looking to bring in the forward would have to negotiate directly with Manchester United.

It came as a bit of a surprise when Barcelona decided not to activate Rashford's buy clause after producing 28 goal contributions in 49 appearances, as well as the Englishman expressing how happy he was in Spain.

However, TEAMtalk reports there could be another twist in this transfer saga, saying Barcelona remain in contact with Rashford's representatives as the Spanish giants continue to assess their attacking options.

After ending his loan season at Barcelona, reports indicated they were looking to make another loan deal for Rashford, but United remained clear that they were only seeking a permanent deal.

Barcelona's need for attacking options has only grown since the end of last season, with both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leaving the club this summer, leaving the Catalan club with no established striker.

As a result, Barcelona are seemingly going all in for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, but the Madrid side have repeatedly made it clear they don't want to sell the Argentinian star.

If Barcelona are unable to make a breakthrough for the 26-year-old, Rashford could become the next best option for the Spanish giants.

Michael Carrick has reportedly been very open to bringing Rashford back into the fold at Old Trafford, as the forward could offer valuable depth both on the left side of the attack and potential back-up to Benjamin Šeško if the club decide to sell Joshua Zirkzee.

A return wouldn't be without its problems, however. Rashford's high wages are certainly an issue, and his preferred position puts him in direct competition with Matheus Cunha, who became a fan favourite last season.

The 28-year-old still has plenty to offer to his boyhood club, and his familiarity with the club and experience at the top level could make him a very useful squad player ahead of United's Champions League campaign.

With the summer transfer window ending in just over two weeks, if Barcelona pivot from Alvarez to Rashford, United might not have enough time to bring in a back-up option as their list of necessary signings grows, and the transfer deadline approaches.