Manchester United is seemingly focusing on its midfield this summer. Ederson is reportedly close to joining the Old Trafford club from Atalanta with Andrey Santos also believed to be on his way from Chelsea. Most expect United to enter the market for another central midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.
There are, however, other areas in need of attention. The left wing is one such area with Manchester United desperately short of options in that part of its squad after previous manager Ruben Amorim allowed Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford to leave in the belief his system didn’t require them.
Amorim is now gone, replaced by Michael Carrick, and United’s new manager needs some wide options. This is where Rashford could be welcomed back into the fold following a season-long loan at Barcelona which saw the England international rediscover something close to his best form.
Indeed, 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Barca last season represented a good return for Rashford who reportedly wanted to stay in Spain permanently. Barcelona, however, spent big to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, making it unlikely that a move for Rashford will materialise as well this summer.
Given Manchester United’s need for a new left winger, it seems probable that Rashford will be reintegrated at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old struggled in Amorim’s 4-3-2-1 system, but Carrick has largely used a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 shape since taking over, making room for Rashford on the left side of the forward line.
Ultimately, Manchester United might still choose to replace Rashford in the medium to long term. However, in a summer transfer window when United is under pressure to rebuild its midfield when so many other rivals are also searching the market for elite-level operators in the centre of the pitch, the club might have to pick its battles wisely.
Rashford came through the youth system at Old Trafford. He is a boyhood Manchester United fan and so it was with great sadness that a lot of supporters saw him depart the club to first join Aston Villa on loan, then Barcelona. The sight of the forward in red again would make a lot of people happy.
First and foremost, though, Manchester United needs a player that can help it improve on last season’s third-place finish in the Premier League. Rashford might not be a key figure, like he was only a few seasons ago, but there’s little doubt he can contribute to Carrick’s team this coming season.