Marcus Rashford remains calm as he targets first goal since Man Utd return
Marcus Rashford is back in Manchester United’s plans under Michael Carrick, but the forward is still pursuing his first goal since returning from spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona. The 2026 World Cup participant has appeared in each of United’s opening three Premier League matches, with the next strike set to be his 139th for the club.
Key facts
| Item | Date or figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Last United goal | 1 December 2024 | Two goals in a 4-0 win against Everton |
| Barcelona return | 14 goals | Helped win La Liga before the purchase option went unused |
| League record | 4 points from 3 games | One victory, one draw and one defeat |
Rashford’s previous United goal came in the emphatic Everton victory at Old Trafford in December 2024. Two months later, on 2 February 2025, he left the club after Ruben Amorim no longer considered him part of his plans.
A loan period at Aston Villa offered Rashford an opportunity to revive his form, before a summer move to Barcelona brought an unexpected chapter in Spain. He scored 14 times for the Catalan side and collected a La Liga winners’ medal alongside Lamine Yamal and the rest of the squad. Barcelona opted not to activate the permanent-transfer clause, however, sending him back to England.
Carrick has now brought the academy graduate into his squad following the 2026 World Cup. Former United striker Andy Cole believes Rashford should focus on his level rather than on ending his current scoring wait.
“He has already scored plenty for Manchester United, so I do not see him chasing that next one desperately,” Cole said. “Marcus needs to work, play to his ability and let the goal arrive naturally. His responsibility is to help put United in positions where they can win games.
“The discussion around him is only outside noise. Once he concentrates and plays as he can, that does not matter to someone like Marcus.”
Mainoo aiming to establish himself
Kobbie Mainoo is another United academy product seeking to make the most of Carrick’s arrival. The 21-year-old midfielder had been left out under Amorim before earning a route back into the side when Carrick took charge.
Cole said the manager’s confidence in Mainoo had been evident and argued that the midfielder’s performances last season had already shown his capability at this level.
“People know the quality he has,” Cole said. “He was very good against Everton at the weekend. It is about concentrating, working and continuing to do the things he does best.”
United’s most recent league outing ended in a dramatic draw at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they allowed a sixth-minute stoppage-time equaliser. Their four-point return leaves Carrick’s side looking for a more sustained run of results.
The opportunity to respond comes on Thursday, when United host Azerbaijani champions Sabah in the Champions League. Manchester City then visit for Sunday’s derby.
