Marcus Rashford prepares for AC Milan clash
Michael Carrick has provided an update on Marcus Rashford’s position at Manchester United as the England international gets ready to face his former boss Ruben Amorim with United taking on AC Milan in their last pre-season friendly on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
Rashford, who had a productive loan spell at Barcelona, may seek some small measure of revenge against Amorim, who initially overlooked him. Under Carrick’s management, Rashford has been reintegrated into the squad following United’s recent 1-1 draw with Leeds.
“He’s our player. He’s come back great,” Carrick said regarding Rashford’s status. “He’s just like any other player. He gives us something a little bit different.” Although Rashford did not feature against Leeds, he is set to make an appearance against AC Milan, who have struggled during pre-season, failing to secure a win in their previous matches against Celtic, Inter Milan, and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
This match could mark a significant moment for Rashford as he looks to solidify his place within the Manchester United squad. Last season, the Red Devils experienced a strong finish, placing third in the league and earning a spot in the Champions League. The team reinforced its lineup during the transfer window, acquiring key players including Andrey Santos from Chelsea for approximately £50 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million.
Carrick has utilised this pre-season to experiment with various forward options, including positioning Bryan Mbeumo as a central striker. His versatility has been promising, allowing for strong performances from the surrounding attacking players within Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
As the Red Devils gear up for their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City, the squad demonstrates depth and potential. However, the road ahead won’t be without its challenges, as they also face Ipswich Town and Everton shortly thereafter. The focus now turns to capitalizing on their pre-season experience to hit the ground running.
Rashford’s journey back into a pivotal role at United adds an intriguing layer to an already compelling narrative, exemplifying how swiftly fortunes can change in football.