Man u

In theory, Rashford could return to his boyhood club and resume his career there.

Head coach Michael Carrick knows him well. Carrick is a teammate, coach and – for three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in 2021 – hands-on manager of one of United’s recent star graduates from the academy.

When Carrick was asked about Rashford in April, he said no decision had been made about the forward’s future.

He added: “Whoever is here, I want to work with them and help them improve.”

It’s not that simple.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to keep wage costs down and that’s not easy when the top earner is worth such a huge sum.

Also, United gave Rashford’s number 10 jersey to Mathews Cunha last season and are unlikely to take it away from the Brazilian.

Summer squad rebuilding plans are being put together in the belief that Rashford will not be part of them.

It’s cute though. Twelve months ago, Ruben Amorim put Rashford in his ‘bomb squad’ and asked him to train with the main group at various times. He did the same with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony and Tyrell Malacia.

Last week, world governing body FIFA announced a memorandum of understanding with global players’ union FIFPRO. Among the details, it was confirmed that any player exiled from the main group could claim a release – and pay off their contracts.

It’s fair to assume that firing Rashford is off the agenda this season.