According to the latest report from The Sun, experienced Manchester United staff have noted that Rashford's return marks his most positive phase in terms of form.

Rashford did not play against Shabab Al-Ahli, but that did not stop Manchester United fans from chanting his name again. For the first time in nearly two years, the Stretford End echoed with Rashford's song, which ends with the lines "Red as Manchester is Rashford."

During the warm-up on Thursday evening, Rashford received the loudest applause from all substitutes from Old Trafford's famous stand. The fans had already applauded him two weeks earlier following his positive performance in his comeback match against Ipswich.

Midway through the second half, Carrick signalled that 19-year-old Shay Lacey and Harry Amass would be his final two substitutions. Carrick also had a brief word with Rashford as he jogged back to the bench.

One can speculate that Carrick said something like "We need you on Sunday" or similar.

The Manchester Derby is Carrick's biggest challenge in his eight months as manager.

Carrick said: "I'm very pleased with Rashford, very pleased in many ways.

"You can already see it in his performances. He was very threatening in the last match, couldn't quite get the end result, but he was genuinely very threatening.

"I don't know what else to say, we're just very happy to have him.

"He's delivered strong performances in many ways and has quickly reintegrated into the squad.

"It's good to preserve Rashford's energy for the weekend."

Manchester United resting Rashford for the big match against Manchester City this weekend speaks volumes about his positive form since his return.

His mental state stands in stark contrast to the 18 months of ups and downs following his five-year contract signing in July 2023.

The Manchester United fans' chant midweek ahead of the Derby came at exactly the right time. This match holds particular significance for Rashford, who was born in Wythenshawe.

Manchester United insiders say that Rashford has done everything possible to complete his comeback since arriving at the training camp in Ireland in early August.

A source close to the club said: "He's done the best he possibly could in terms of both attitude and commitment."

Long-serving staff have also noted that Rashford is at his most positive and smiling when interacting with them, compared to previous years. The 28-year-old is also among the first to arrive at the training ground.

No one wants to get ahead of themselves. Rashford has only played two matches so far, but he was Manchester United's standout player against Everton, only to be substituted off in the 70th minute—a decision that seemed somewhat puzzling.

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

Had Amorim still been at the club, Rashford's return would not have been possible here. He stepped into Manchester United's £50 million training facility at Carrington, which opened in August last year, for the first time just five weeks ago.

Manchester United dismissed a rumour that Rashford sang a welcome song at Carrington, as 15-year-old JJ Gabriel did.

Deliberately or not, since Rashford's return there has been no fixed partner in Manchester United's dressing room for him.

Against Shabab Al-Ahli, De Ligt and Mainoo flanked him.

Against Everton, De Ligt and Yoro were on his flanks; against Ipswich and Hull City, Tielemans and Mbeumo were beside him.

Manchester United was surprised that FC Barcelona did not sign Rashford. He cost only £26 million at the time, but Barcelona instead signed his English teammate Anthony Gordon for £69.3 million. Rashford's other former club, Aston Villa, opted for Garnacho, a left winger he had also played with.

But Rashford is home.

He joined Manchester United's youth academy at age seven and has been at the club for 21 years. His high-earning contract of £325,000 per week, which runs until 2028, remains valid. Rashford has also added his new shirt number "9" to the tattoos documenting the jerseys he has worn for the club and England.

Rashford has every chance of representing 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 favoured by him.

Manchester United fans have also welcomed him back.

Übersetzt von KI.

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