Man Utd transfers: Can Marcus Rashford be reintegrated at Old Trafford or will he leave before the end of the window?
In a special Man Utd summer podcast, Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson is joined by Sky Sports News' Dan Khan and Sky Sports football journalist William Bitibiri to discuss Rashford's future at Old Trafford. The trio also discuss United's midfield rebuild and the pursuit of Lewis Hall
Monday 3 August 2026 20:32, UK
Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United remains up in the air.
He will return to Carrington following the World Cup and a loan at Barcelona, but after the LaLiga champions opted against activating his £26m option-to-buy, he has been left in the wilderness.
So, what exactly does Michael Carrick do with Rashford? Does he reintegrate his former team-mate into the United squad? Can Rashford form part of his plans ahead of the United boss' first full season in charge?
In a special United summer podcast, Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson is joined by Sky Sports News' Dan Khan and Sky Sports football journalist William Bitibiri to discuss Rashford's future at Old Trafford. The trio also assess United's midfield rebuild and the club's pursuit of Lewis Hall.
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Did Rashford close a chapter when he left on loan?
After clinching LaLiga, Rashford told the media if he was a "magician" he would stay at Barcelona. Fast forward a couple of months, he has not been able to make his wish come true. Instead, he will report back to where he left last summer when it previously felt like a goodbye.
William Bitibiri: "He hasn't got a squad number anymore. His No 10 shirt is now being occupied by Matheus Cunha.
"So it does feel like Rashford might be a spare part. It feels a bit awkward. It feels very awkward to say in a few days' time, Marcus Rashford is going to turn up at Carrington, into the dressing room and see someone else sitting where he used to sit."
Dan Khan: "One thing you can't deny is Manchester United have another star on their team with Marcus Rashford in it."
"Regardless of whatever level people think he is at, there's no doubt after Bruno Fernandes when you look at proper stars in football, then Marcus Rashford is one of those names.
"We haven't seen him in a Manchester United shirt for a year and a half. He's played for two clubs since he's last ran out for United.
"He seemed pretty content to move on. He's done podcasts, he's done social media statements where he's not really referenced the club too much. I know he then walked back on that, but even interviews at Barcelona, it didn't seem that he had his heart set on coming back to Manchester United.
How likely is it that Hall signs for Man Utd?
Left-back is one of the positions United have been keen on strengthening this summer. Question marks over Luke Shaw's ability to play multiple games in one week means the club are light in that area. One of the names that has been of interest to those at Old Trafford is Newcastle's Lewis Hall.
DK: "We first reported his name in March, and I think a lot of people raised an eyebrow."
"People were like, 'oh, Lewis Hall, that's never going to happen'. 'Oh, that's unlikely'. And then, from my perspective, it's shifted a little bit.
"Hall is someone they really admire, and also actually feels a little bit achievable now this summer because of where Newcastle ended last season. They have no Champions League football to look forward to.
"You look at Newcastle's change in manager, the ownership and the players leaving.
"Newcastle wouldn't be happy to lose Hall, but I wouldn't say from a Newcastle perspective that he's irreplaceable.
"He was out of the team a little bit in April. From Manchester United's perspective, with all of these factors, I think they believe he is an achievable target this summer."
Who will start in Man Utd's midfield in the curtain raiser?
Midfield was an area of priority for United coming into the summer transfer window and they've managed to bring in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. But when United get their campaign up and running against Hull City on August 22, who will make up United's midfield, with Mason Mount, Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo also in contention?
JT: "I would be surprised to see Youri Tielemans straight into the team just because he's arrived latest from the World Cup.
"I think Mason Mount has really put a name down for himself in his pre-season performances to say he should be starting in the midfield alongside Andrey Santos.
"Despite not playing, Kobbie Mainoo is coming back from the World Cup which involved a lot of travel. So I would say first game of the season, I can see it being Santos and Mount. But I think as the season progress, I think you'll see Mainoo and Tielemans."
WB: "Every manager seems to be a big fan of Mason Mount.
"I look at him and think that's someone who's got the right attitude. The deep No 8, it's not a position that's alien to him. I think we look at Mount and we just think he's a No 10.
"We think about some of the Chelsea days, probably higher up in the pitch, maybe behind the striker. I think he's played there for England as well. But Mount can play alongside Mainoo.
"And we saw that towards the back end of last season against Brighton. He was brilliant. So it's not a revelation to see Mount playing deep.
"But Michael Carrick clearly trusts him and sees a player that can play as an eight. And I think that's interesting. So for me, I think Mount should start just based on pre-season alone."
Listen to the podcast in full for much more discussion and analysis on Manchester United's summer transfer window
