Marcus Rashford is back on Manchester United’s books, and the timing has brought fresh focus on how long it has been since he last played for the club. Barcelona allowed both the purchase option and release clause in Rashford’s contract to expire, opting instead to move for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. United manager Michael Carrick has since confirmed that the winger will rejoin training with his boyhood club during the next part of the summer tour of northern Europe.

Carrick, speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, said: “I’ve played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history,” Carrick said after Saturday’s 1–1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain. “We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together.

“Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martínez]. We look forward to seeing them.”

For supporters, Rashford’s return may take some adjustment, because his final appearance for United came some time ago. His most recent outing arrived against Viktoria Plzeň on Dec. 12, 2024, in the Europa League at the Doosan Arena in Plzeň, Czechia. He started as a second striker, positioned just behind Joshua Zirkzee, but found it difficult to influence the contest.

Rashford was withdrawn in the 56th minute, eight minutes after Plzeň had gone in front through Matěj Vydra. United then recovered, with Rasmus Højlund emerging as the decisive figure. The Danish forward, who has since left United for Napoli, scored soon after his introduction and added a second in the 88th minute to complete the comeback.

After that defeat, Rashford’s United career effectively stalled under then-manager Ruben Amorim. He was omitted from the squad for the Manchester derby against Manchester City three days later, although Amorim insisted the decision was not disciplinary. Rashford then stated that he was “ready for a new challenge.”

His absence continued for weeks, with more than 10 games missed and only one unused place on the bench. Amorim later said he would not choose any player unless he felt they were giving maximum effort every day.

A loan move to Aston Villa followed in February, giving Rashford a chance to reset. He produced a strong spell there, finishing with four goals and six assists in 17 appearances.

Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United brings an issue beyond the role he will be asked to play after 20 months away from the club. The 28-year-old left for Barcelona on loan last summer, with an option for the Catalans to make the move permanent for a fixed fee below market value, but few expected him to be back after only one season.

His old No. 10 shirt at Old Trafford has already gone to Matheus Cunha, meaning Rashford must choose again. According to Fabrizio Romano, the number he is expected to take is the vacant No. 14. It is the same shirt he wore at Barcelona, and the link appears to have carried weight for him after his spell there.

The No. 9 was also available, but No. 14 seems to be the preferred option. It is a number with a long history at United since fixed squad numbers were introduced in the Premier League in 1993.

United’s No. 14 has had 10 permanent holders, with Christian Eriksen the most recent before it was left open last season. Among the better-known names to wear it are Jesse Lingard and Javier Hernández, though the standout remains Andrei Kanchelskis. He was the first to wear No. 14 for the club in the division and went on to become a two-time Premier League champion. He also top-scored for United in the 1994-95 season with 15 goals in all competitions.

Fabrizio Romano also indicated that Rashford will be reintegrated into the Manchester United squad. The only exception would be an offer from a “top European club” during the final three weeks of the transfer window.

At present, there is little to suggest that such an offer will arrive. That leaves Rashford with a clear short-term task: re-establish himself at Manchester United, where he still has two years left on his contract.

Arsenal midfielder Louie Copley has revealed that his preseason outing ended with a serious knee injury after the club’s 3-1 defeat to Real Betis.

Copley was introduced at half time and briefly filled in at right back, but his first appearance of the summer lasted only 11 minutes before he was forced off. The injury has since been diagnosed as an ACL problem.

On social media, Copley wrote: “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now, to making my preseason debut for the team I’ve grown up supporting to finding out I’ve ruptured my ACL,” he reflected on social media.

He added: “The road ahead won’t be easy but I’ll give everything to come back stronger and better.”

The timing leaves Copley facing a long recovery, with the possibility that he could return later in the coming season if rehabilitation goes well. For now, though, expectations will be kept in check as he begins a difficult spell on the sidelines.

His setback also removes a player who had been trying to make a case at right back, a position Arsenal have already had to manage carefully. Jurriën Timber has spent months out with a groin issue, while Ben White has also dealt with significant fitness problems in the past. White has been starting this summer, with Copley being given the chance to provide cover before the knee injury struck.

Arsenal’s defensive concerns are not limited to the right side. William Saliba is set for a lengthy period out because of a back problem, and that has already pushed Cristhian Mosquera, another right-back option, into central defence alongside Gabriel.

For Copley, the injury is a harsh interruption to a preseason that had offered him a chance to step forward.