Paul Ince and Wes Brown both think Michael Carrick can get more out of Marcus Rashford than he has shown in recent months, and both want him kept at Manchester United. Ince's view is the sharper of the two: Carrick needs to give Rashford clarity, trust and a defined role. Rashford is due back in United training this summer, more than 18 months after losing his place under former manager Ruben Amorim, and Barcelona did not activate the £26million purchase option.

What Ince and Brown are arguing

Ince told Oddschecker that Carrick could “get the best out of him” if he puts his arm around the forward and spells out exactly where he plays and what he does. Brown was just as direct with The Sun, saying Carrick would “love him back” because he gives the manager another option and could be “a boost” if he comes back into the team.

That is a pretty clear line from two former United players. They are not selling Rashford as untouchable, just as someone whose level can rise if the job description is cleaner. Brown also said he was still not sure what will happen next, which is the honest part of this story.

Rashford's record at United is still substantial. He has 426 appearances, 138 goals and 79 assists. The case for a restart is not built on sentiment alone either, with his season rating at 6.65 and two 6.9-rated performances in his last five World Cup appearances.

Rashford's next step is still open

The Barcelona exit changes the immediate picture, but it does not close it. A separate £40m clause, available to any club except Liverpool and Manchester City, has now lapsed, and Italian reporting says AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné is priced at approximately £51m with Roma open to Rashford as part of a swap deal. Rashford has also spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona since his most recent Manchester United appearance in December 2024.

United's last five league results are WWDWW, so this is not a club scrambling for a restart. It is a side with some momentum and a forward whose future still needs sorting. On the evidence of Ince and Brown, Carrick is being asked to make the call rather than leaving Rashford on the edge of the squad.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →