MICHAEL CARRICK has dropped a strong hint that Manchester United could keep hold of Marcus Rashford.

Rashford, 28, watched on from the sidelines as United battled Leeds in a pre-season friendly at Croke Park on Wednesday.

Michael Carrick has hinted that Marcus Rashford could stay at Man Utd Credit: PA

Rashford has not played a competitive United game since December 2024 Credit: PA

And he is expected to get a run-out against AC Milan this weekend.

There were points where it looked like there was no way back for Rashford at Old Trafford, having spent last season on loan at Barcelona and half of the campaign before that at Aston Villa.

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But he has been welcomed back into the first-team fold by Carrick after Barca opted not to make his loan move permanent.

And after watching his side beat rivals Leeds on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Dublin, the United boss fed speculation that Rashford could stick around for the upcoming season.

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He said: “He’s our player. He’s come back great. He’s just like any other player.

“I’ve known Marcus a long time and he gives us something a little bit different.

“He’s been in great spirits since he’s been back. He’s been back two or three days, trained, and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest.

“We’re looking forward to the start of the season.”

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Rashford boasts 138 goals in 426 United games but has not played a competitive match for the club since December 2024.

Whether he gets the chance to add to those tallies remains to be seen.

United star Noussair Mazraoui was also put on the spot about Rashford’s future.

He said: “He could be a big one [new signing] for us this season. That is, of course, if he doesn’t leave.”