Marcus Rashford has been a huge talking point so far in this transfer window, with his future still seemingly unclear. However, after Matheus Cunha's top-quality performances for Brazil in a new role, many believe the door for Rashford's reintegration into the squad could be blown wide open.
Marcus Rashford has been away from Manchester United for nearly two years now, making it quite a tough task for Michael Carrick to reintegrate him into the squad.
After consecutive loans to Aston Villa, and then Barcelona where he won his first league title, it does seem like he and United have moved on, and if it was not for his ongoing contract still tying him to United, a return would probably be off the cards.
Rashford has however started the 2026 World Cup pretty well, scoring off the bench in the opening game against Croatia in his hopes to impress potential suitors.
However since his goal, Thomas Tuchel has trusted him to start the last two games against Panama and DR Congo, where his performances have been sub-par to say the least, highlighting a level of inconsistency that United fans remember well.
This does beg the question of whether Man United actually need him back and if he even improves the team.
Fortunately for him, this World Cup has shown a whole new side to United talisman Matheus Cunha which could help Rashford massively.
Cunha becoming Brazil's main man
After a very poor performance from Igor Thiago against Morocco in Brazil's first game, Cunha was tasked with playing up front as a loan striker in his place; and with the number nine on his back, he did not disappoint.
In his first start against Haiti, Cunha scored a brace as his side collected their first three points with ease. He then followed this up with a goal against Scotland which cemented his place as Brazil's first choice number nine.
Cunha is not a complete stranger to this role, as he was trusted multiple times in all three of his seasons at Wolves with leading the line, despite being most comfortable on the left, he has proven he can happily play either.
However, it is clear to see that Cunha's Brazil success is impossible without the work of Vinicius Jr who is always the outlet for their attacks, he draws all the defender's attention to him which allows Cunha to slip under the radar at times and strike when necessary.
Therefore, the left wing position for United will also be crucial next season, especially if they choose to play Cunha as a striker more often; and with the club focusing most of their money on the midfield, Rashford could easily slot himself back into the team.
A potential obstacle for Rashford's return
The most obvious barrier to Marcus Rashford's return to Manchester United is his wages, with United recently trying very hard to lower their wage bill after offloading players such as Antony and Jadon Sancho, bringing Rashford back would be very counter productive.
However, the biggest obstacle for the return is the future of Patrick Dorgu. The club bought Dorgu as a left back almost two years ago, however, all of his standout performances have came from him playing on the wing.
From scoring in the Manchester derby, a screamer at the Emirates, and heading home against Brighton for Bruno Fernandes' record-breaking assist, it seems very likely that he will continue at United as a winger, rather than a fullback.
If this does become the case, then United will most likely turn their attention away from all left wing targets, nevermind Rashford in particular, putting his future back up in the air once again.
While Rashford's return does remain a possibility, for now it seems like the best outcome for both parties is to make a permanent move away from Manchester.
