Paul Ince urges Manchester United to support Rashford's revival

Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future hangs in the balance, but Paul Ince is adamant: this is not the moment to cut ties with a homegrown talent who still, in his eyes, has another act left in him at Old Trafford.

United are actively exploring ways to move the winger on after his loan spell at Barcelona came to an end. The Spanish club, impressed as they were by his contribution, chose not to trigger a permanent deal and instead pushed their money towards Anthony Gordon. For Rashford, who had rediscovered rhythm and confidence in La Liga, the decision cut deep.

To Ince, that is exactly why United should resist the temptation to cash in.

“Put your arm around him”

The former United midfielder, never shy of a firm opinion, believes Michael Carrick is perfectly placed to rebuild Rashford where it all began.

"I just think Michael Carrick can get the best out of him, I really, really do," Ince told Oddschecker. "I think if you just put your arm around Rashford then you’re going to see a very, very good player. Fingers crossed that’s the case. But there’s one thing for sure, he is a very, very talented player and if he’s happy, he will perform for you."

That is the crux of Ince’s argument: this is not a player who has forgotten how to play, but one who needs the right voice in his ear and the right environment around him. Carrick, with his calm authority and growing reputation as a man-manager, fits that brief.

Ince is convinced the current United boss can tap into the same qualities Barcelona unlocked last season.

Barcelona high, transfer low

Rashford’s time in Spain quietly rebuilt his reputation. Away from the glare and scrutiny of Old Trafford, he scored regularly and shifted smoothly across the frontline, showing he can operate off either flank and still carry a threat.

"I feel for Rashford, I really do, because I think he’s a fantastic player," Ince said. "He can play off the left and he can play off the right. I’m not sure if many people watched him last year playing for Barcelona but he was scoring goals, he was enjoying himself, and he looked a completely different player.

"Then when you think Barcelona are going to sign him they get Anthony Gordon and it kills Rashford. You saw in the World Cup the magic he can bring, he’s got that talent."

The emotional swing is stark. One moment, Rashford looks set for a permanent home at one of Europe’s giants, thriving in a system that suits him. The next, he is back in limbo, watching another forward walk through the door at Camp Nou while his own future reopens as a problem to be solved.

Carrick’s test – and Rashford’s chance

United, for now, are weighing up offers and scenarios. The club’s stance suggests they are ready to draw a line under the Rashford era. Ince thinks that would be a mistake, especially with Carrick now firmly established in the dugout after steering United to third place in the Premier League and back into the Champions League last season.

Carrick’s work has given Old Trafford a sense of direction again. His next major call could be whether to fold or go all-in on Rashford.

The timing is sharp. The 2026-27 Premier League campaign starts on August 22, with newly-promoted Hull City visiting Old Trafford. If Rashford stays, that opener offers more than just three points. It offers a stage.

A boyhood United forward, a manager who believes in subtle, human touches, a fanbase that has seen Rashford at his devastating best before.

If the club chooses to keep him, Hull could be the first glimpse of whether this story really has one more chapter.