MU faces a shocking decision regarding a star earning £325,000 per week.

Marcus Rashford is on the verge of a potential comeback to Manchester United following a spell that many thought had definitively ended at Old Trafford. As the English forward's future faces significant hurdles, coach Michael Carrick might emerge as the key person to repair the relationship between the two parties.

According to The Sun, Manchester United is now preparing for a scenario that was once considered highly unlikely: Marcus Rashford returning to the first team and continuing to wear the "Red Devils" jersey in the new season. Just about 18 months ago, the relationship between the academy graduate and the club had almost reached a point of no return.

Rashford: From surplus to a difficult puzzle for MU

A major turning point in Rashford's career at Old Trafford came under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the English striker's attitude, before Rashford was sent to Aston Villa on loan in February 2025.

However, the issue was not just about the conflict between the player and the manager. According to sources from The Sun, Manchester United's board at the time also wanted to part ways with Rashford to reduce the wage bill.

Rashford receives approximately £325,000 weekly, making him one of the top earners at Old Trafford. This lucrative contract was signed after the 2022/23 season, when the English striker was in top form, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League.

That massive salary has now become one of the biggest obstacles if MU wants to sell Rashford. With interested clubs unwilling to cover the full wages, the possibility of the 28-year-old forward returning to Manchester is becoming more realistic.

Previously, Rashford seemed to have accepted that his journey at MU was over. His familiar number 10 shirt was handed to Matheus Cunha, while Rashford himself went on loan to Aston Villa and Barcelona. Nevertheless, the English player has delivered positive performances during his time away from Old Trafford, proving that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level.

Michael Carrick could salvage the relationship

What makes this story particularly interesting is the arrival of Michael Carrick as Manchester United's manager.

Since Carrick took over the team in January, the atmosphere at Old Trafford is said to have changed significantly. The former MU midfielder has been highly praised for his ability to manage the dressing room and build relationships with players.

Bruno Fernandes is a clear example. Previously, the MU captain admitted he felt the board wanted him to leave. However, Carrick quickly made Fernandes feel valued, and the Portuguese midfielder subsequently had an impressive run of form. This is why The Sun believes Carrick could become the "bridge" to help Rashford and Manchester United mend past fractures.

Carrick played alongside Rashford during his final years as a player before taking on a coaching role at MU. The relationship and mutual understanding between the two could therefore make the reintegration process smoother.

MU may have to change their plans for Rashford

The current problem lies in the fact that Manchester United's board has previously made it quite clear they wanted to part ways with Rashford. Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became involved in running the club's football operations, the "Red Devils" have implemented a series of cost-cutting measures, and high-wage contracts naturally came under special scrutiny. Rashford is one of the highest-paid players in the squad.

However, when finding a new club proves difficult, MU may be forced to change their approach. Instead of keeping a player earning £325,000 per week outside their plans, the Old Trafford club could look to make use of his abilities.

Rashford is only 28 years old and theoretically still in the prime of his career. When at his best, the English star's speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability can still provide a quality option for the attack of Manchester United.

A reunion, if it happens, will certainly not be easy given what has transpired between Rashford and the club over the past two years. But in the current circumstances, the interests of both sides may require old conflicts to be set aside. And if Manchester United truly wants to bring their "academy child" back on track, Michael Carrick is probably the most suitable person to carry out that task.