Rashford's Back at United: Carrick Rolls the Dice on the Winger's Return

His last dance in a United shirt? December 2024. That was before the tours to Aston Villa and Barcelona. Now, with Benjamin Sesko nursing an injury and Patrick Dorgu's best spot still a mystery, Michael Carrick has dragged the 26-year-old back. Pre-season in Dublin awaits.

Look, the kid's got numbers: 87 Premier League goals in 287 appearances. Real credentials. But let's be blunt: his recent path is a red flag. He lost the plot under Erik ten Hag, then again under Ruben Amorim. Before Villa, he couldn't hit a barn door. Can he find that 2022-23 magic again? Don't hold your breath.

Carrick's got history with Rashford, though. He was United captain in 2016. Saw the 18-year-old burst onto the scene, subbed on, scored twice against FC Midtjylland. Later, as part of the coaching staff with Mourinho and Solskjaer, he watched Rashford become absolutely crucial. Maybe that's why he's willing to take this flier.

He won't be playing Wednesday against Leeds. Mark it down. But a run-out Saturday against AC Milan in Poland? Possibly. That game against former United boss Amorim. Carrick's public stance is simple enough. "We have got a full squad this week… Marcus is part of that," Sky Sports quoted him. Fine. The real question is whether Carrick's tactical genius can resurrect a career that's gone completely sideways.