Should Manchester United reintegrate Marcus Rashford?

Barcelona opted not to exercise his buy option after his loan spell last term and instead made a big-money move for his England teammate Anthony Gordon, leaving Rashford in limbo. 

If a big European club comes in for the winger, then the belief is he can leave for the right fee; however, if not, then Rashford will become a part of Michael Carrick's squad once again. 

The latter seems to be the more likely option, and with friendlies against Leeds and Milan awaiting the Red Devils this week, we should see Rashford in United colours for the first time since 2024.

But what are the pros and cons of Rashford's return, and would it be best for the club to reintegrate him or sever ties permanently? 

He scores goals

Marcus Rashford is more than capable of producing big numbers.

In Erik ten Hag's first season, he bagged 30 goals in all competitions, the most he has ever got in a single season.

He also got over 20 goals in two separate seasons under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose assistant was his current boss.

He has 138 goals in total for the Red Devils, so knows what is needed to deliver for United.

He lacks consistency

Therein lies the issue, whilst he can put up huge numbers, he is also capable of the opposite.

In three out of his last four seasons with United, he scored fewer than 10 goals across all competitions.

For a winger of his pedigree, he should be getting over 10 goals in a season.

Time will tell what level Rashford will be at this season, but it's an output that may not seem enough to get in United's new look attack. 

Big money wages(Getty Images)

The 28-year-old is reportedly on weekly wages around £300,000 a week, which for a player who may not be a starter is incredibly high wages.

With no club seemingly interested in the Mancunian and a contract that runs until 2028, United may have to be paying those wages for the next two years.

Ineos have been fairly ruthless in their cost-cutting regime, so if Rashford doesn't hit form quickly, he may find himself out once again.

Unfinished business

Off the back of a successful season with Barcelona, where he won his first domestic league title, Rashford returns to Manchester with more to achieve.

The boyhood United fan would have dreamed of winning a Champions League or Premier League title with the Red Devils, but that never materialised.

With a positive, albeit short, trajectory under Michael Carrick, this could be the lifeline Rashford needs to achieve his ultimate goals.

Two years ago, Rashford's career in red looked dead and buried, but this is a second chance that he needs to take.

Getty

Strong competition

Throughout the majority of Rashford's United career, he was the main man in attack.

But times are different now.

Matheus Cunha is donning Rashford's number ten and thrived under Carrick on the left-hand side, while Patrick Dorgu has had success playing on the left wing too.

And with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško both splitting the role up front, Rashford may struggle to establish a starting role.

With Rashford yet to make an appearance in pre-season, it remains to be seen how Carrick will utilise Rashford.

 

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