Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester

Manchester, Aug 10: Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United as the club begins the next stage of its pre-season preparations, but his comeback is likely to be about much more than football.

United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that Rashford will join the squad in Dublin, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.

“We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together. Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie and Lisandro. We look forward to seeing them,” Carrick said.

Rashford could feature against Leeds at Croke Park before potentially making another appearance against AC Milan in Poland.

However, Carrick's biggest challenge will be determining whether Rashford can become the kind of player Manchester United and its supporters need.

The England forward's return would have seemed unlikely not long ago. His relationship with the club deteriorated following disciplinary and performance issues, after which Rashford publicly expressed his desire for a “new challenge”.

Former manager Ruben Amorim subsequently left him out of the first-team setup, stressing that players had to fight for their places based on standards and application rather than reputation.

Rashford eventually left the club on loan, first joining Aston Villa and later Barcelona. His departure further strained his relationship with sections of the United fanbase.

His spell at Aston Villa, however, showed that he still had plenty to offer. He registered 10 goal involvements in 17 appearances and helped the club in the FA Cup and Champions League. His performances also earned him an England recall.

Rashford later moved to Barcelona, where he made a significant impact alongside some of Europe's top attacking players. He recorded 28 goal contributions in 49 appearances across competitions as Barcelona retained La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Despite his performances, Barcelona did not exercise the option to sign him permanently.

Rashford's best season remains 2022-23, when he scored 30 goals in all competitions. At his best, he provides pace, direct running and the ability to exploit space behind defensive lines.

United still need attacking options, with Rashford capable of playing from the left or centrally and offering a different threat from players such as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

His return, however, is likely to be judged as much on his attitude as his ability.

Supporters who watched Rashford progress from the academy to become one of the club's key players were disappointed when he pushed for a move. His return will not automatically erase those concerns.

Rashford will have to rebuild that trust through consistent performances, professionalism and a willingness to compete for his place.

The same applies inside the dressing room. Carrick has inherited a squad that is believed to have benefited from improved harmony and discipline. Rashford's reintegration will therefore have to fit within the standards expected from every member of the squad.

Carrick's previous relationship with Rashford could prove useful. The two worked together at Manchester United, giving the manager an understanding of the forward's strengths and personality.

However, Carrick will also have to ensure that Rashford receives no preferential treatment because of their history.

For United, the immediate expectation should not be for Rashford to reproduce his 30-goal season. Consistency, discipline, defensive contribution and intensity are likely to be more important.

His experiences at Aston Villa and Barcelona have given him the opportunity to work under different managers, adapt to different systems and experience football away from Old Trafford.

The opening months of the season will therefore be crucial.

A strong pre-season or a goal against Leeds will not erase the difficulties of the past. Rashford will need to demonstrate sustained commitment once competitive football begins.

If he responds positively to Carrick's demands, competes for his position and contributes consistently, United supporters could gradually embrace him again.

Rashford's return represents a second chance rather than a clean slate. Manchester United has changed, the squad has changed and expectations have changed.

The forward now has the opportunity to turn one of the club's most complicated recent stories into a comeback, but ultimately, he will have to earn it himself.