Michael Carrick is delighted with the form of Marcus Rashford, who has taken his place back at Manchester United.

Rashford spent last season out on loan at Barcelona, and contributed to 25 goals (14 goals, 11 assists) in 49 appearances last term as the Blaugrana won LaLiga.

Barca elected not to sign Rashford permanently, instead bringing in his England team-mate Anthony Gordon, who has made a flying start in Spain.

Rashford, though, is firmly back in the fold at United, having been given the number nine shirt for the season.

He started against Everton on Sunday and provided a real threat in a 2-2 draw, successfully completing three out of five dribbles and winning six out of nine duels.

And Carrick is thrilled for Rashford.

"Really pleased with him in so many ways," Carrick said ahead of United hosting neighbours Manchester City.

"He was a real threat [against Everton], unfortunate to not get more success but he was a real threat.

"I'm not sure what else to say, just really pleased to have him. We have good options, so trying to keep everyone fresh."

Carrick will be looking for another strong display from Rashford on Sunday. He has a decent record against Man City, having contributed to seven goals in 22 derbies.

After overseeing a 2-0 win in January last season, Carrick could become only the third United manager to win both of his first two league games against Man City, after AH Albut in 1895 and John Bentley in 1913.

"There's no way we're assuming. We won last year but we're not going to do everything the same," Carrick said.

"I feel we're getting better all the time and that helps us, we know it's a big and important game and there's a lot riding on it. We're looking forward to it and we have a short time to recover and prepare for it but we will make the most of it.

"They're a very good team with good results. They've got players to rotate from and that's the position they're in. We know we have to put in a really good performance to get the result we want."

Carrick has, however, come under scrutiny for United's rather underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign. They have taken just four points from their opening three fixtures, against Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton.

"I think I said it pretty early on, all decisions were made were as if we were going to be here for a period of time. I didn't how long that was going to be, I still don't," Carrick said when asked about his future.

"We were planning for the future and what we wanted it to look like and that was from day one."