Marcus Rashford faces a decision about whether his long-term future lies at Manchester United, as he returns from a positive World Cup campaign with England to reflect on his club career at the age of 28. The forward, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona helping them win La Liga, remains contracted to United until 2028, but two deadlines that could have taken him away permanently have now passed without being triggered, leaving his situation unresolved as United's pre-season begins.

Rashford earns £325,000 a week, making him United's top earner, which is a concern for minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he tries to control the club's wage bill. Barcelona's option to sign him permanently for £26m expired in mid-June, and a separate clause allowing other clubs (excluding Liverpool and Manchester City) to buy him for £40m lapsed in early July, with sources suggesting no club would pay more than Barcelona would have. Rashford is expected to rejoin United for their training camp in the Republic of Ireland ahead of a game against Leeds at Croke Park on 12 August, and appears relatively relaxed about returning given his improved relationship with new head coach Michael Carrick, a former team-mate who replaced Ruben Amorim after a fractious spell that saw Rashford exiled and loaned out.