Man Utd 2-4 AC Milan: Marcus Rashford Makes Comeback as Ruben Amorim's Side Exposes Michael Carrick's Problems

Once the season reaches its busiest stage, few people at Old Trafford are likely to look back on this occasion.

Yet its importance could grow depending on what happens before the transfer window shuts on 1 September.

After an hour, Carrick brought Marcus Rashford on as one of six replacements.

It marked his first outing for his childhood club since the Europa League trip to Viktoria Plzen on 12 December 2024. He subsequently fell out of Amorim’s plans and had loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, with a return appearing unlikely.

Speaking to the British media in Maynooth on Thursday, Carrick had several chances to confirm whether Rashford would remain after this month, but offered no such assurance.

Club officials promptly clarified that the number nine shirt Rashford had worn in Poland was only temporary, avoiding potential confusion among supporters considering buying it.

The 28-year-old nevertheless appeared calm and comfortable throughout the occasion.

During his first touchline warm-up, he acknowledged the warm welcome from nearby United fans. Moments later, however, Samuel Chukwueze scored AC Milan’s first equaliser at that end.

Rashford began his second-half preparations later than most of the other substitutes, though he still found time to exchange a couple of skilful passes with Martinez, whom he had faced in a World Cup semi-final a month earlier.

After entering the game, the England forward operated noticeably farther out on the left than Patrick Dorgu, the player he replaced. Dorgu and Harry Maguire scored United’s goals in this latest warm-up fixture.

Rashford’s opening burst resulted in a foul against him, but he soon produced an excellent move near the corner flag to beat a defender.

The moment drew an enthusiastic response from many spectators.

Overall, his return was assured rather than exceptional, which was all that the occasion required.

Upcoming league fixtures away to Hull and at home to Ipswich should reveal more about Carrick’s intentions. A definitive answer to the uncertainty is likely to arrive when the transfer window closes.