According to the latest reports from The Sun, former Manchester United staff have noted that this return marks Rashford's most positive period yet.

Rashford was absent from the Shabab Al-Ahli match, but that didn't stop Manchester United fans from singing his name once again. For the first time in nearly two years, the Stretford End sang Rashford's song, with lyrics declaring "Like Manchester, Rashford is red".

During Thursday evening's warm-up, among all the substitutes, Rashford received the loudest ovation from Old Trafford's most famous stand. Fans had cheered him just two weeks earlier following his impressive performance on his comeback against Ipswich.

At half-time, Carrick signalled to the two 19-year-old substitutes Shea Lacey and Harry Amass that they would be coming on. When Rashford headed to the bench, Carrick also had a brief chat with him.

One might assume Carrick told him something like, "We'll need you on Sunday," or similar.

The Manchester derby is the biggest test of Carrick's eight months as manager.

Carrick said: "I'm very pleased with Rashford, very pleased about a lot of things.

"It's been clear through his performances. He was a threat in the previous match, unfortunate not to score more, but he's certainly a threat.

"I don't know what more to say, we're simply happy to have him.

"He's done a lot of good things, and he's quickly integrated back into the team.

"Keeping Rashford fresh for the weekend is good."

Manchester United resting Rashford ahead of the big match against Manchester City this weekend says a lot about how positive his form has been since his return.

His mentality is completely different from the turbulent 18-month period following his five-year contract in July 2023.

The Manchester United fans' song in the week before the derby came at the perfect time. For Rashford, who was born in Wythenshawe, this match holds special significance.

Manchester United insiders say Rashford has pulled out all the stops to complete his comeback after reporting to the training camp in Ireland in early August.

A source close to the club said: "He's done everything possible in terms of attitude and commitment."

Long-serving club staff have also noted that Rashford is in the most positive and cheerful state during their interactions with him in years. The 28-year-old is also among the first to arrive for training.

Nobody wants to be overly optimistic too soon. Rashford has only started two matches so far, but he was Manchester United's standout performer in the Everton match, despite the decision to substitute him off in the 70th minute being somewhat puzzling.

Carrick's presence has made Rashford's comeback much smoother. Carrick was captain when Rashford made his debut, and they were teammates for over two years, after which Carrick coached and managed him for three-and-a-half years.

If Amorim were still at the club, Rashford's return here would have been impossible. He only set foot in Manchester United's £50 million training centre at Carrington, which opened in August last year, for the first time five weeks ago.

Manchester United dismissed rumours that Rashford performed a welcome song at Carrington like 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.

Perhaps deliberately, Rashford has not had a fixed locker partner in Manchester United's changing room since his return.

In the Shabab Al-Ahli match, Havan and Mainoo were beside him.

In the Everton match, Havan and Yoro flanked him; in the Ipswich and Hull City matches, Tielemans and Mbeumo were his neighbours.

Manchester United were surprised Barcelona didn't sign Rashford. At the time, he was valued at £26 million, but Barcelona instead purchased his English teammate Anthony Gordon for £69.3 million. Rashford's former club Aston Villa chose Garnacho, a left winger who had previously played alongside him.

But Rashford came home.

He joined Manchester United's academy at seven years old and has been with the club for 21 years. His lucrative contract of £325,000 per week, valid until 2028, remains in force. Rashford has also added his new number 9 shirt to the tattoos documenting the kits he has worn for the club and England.

Rashford has every opportunity to represent England at the next European Championship and World Cup. Tuchel will announce his squad for the next four Nations League matches next week, and Rashford has always been in his favour.

Manchester United fans have also welcomed him back.

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