Michael Carrick would look to bring Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United.

The future of Marcus Rashford is back at the center of the European football debate. While his loan spell at FC Barcelona continues to trend upward, whispers are emerging from England suggesting a possible attempt by Manchester United to bring him back to Old Trafford.

The key figure in this potential U-turn is Michael Carrick. Currently serving as the interim manager, Carrick reportedly views Rashford’s return as a priority should he be appointed permanently.

The landscape has shifted dramatically from just a few months ago. Under Ruben Amorim, Rashford found himself sidelined and out of the club's plans, which ultimately triggered his move to LaLiga. However, Carrick’s arrival has reopened a door that seemed permanently shut, though the current state of both the player and United suggests a deal won't be easy to strike.

In Barcelona, Rashford has rediscovered his best form. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, he has tallied 9 goals and 9 assists in 31 appearances. Notably, five of those goals came in a single spectacular performance. His impact has been immediate, showing a lightning-fast adaptation both on and off the pitch.

Rashford himself has been vocal about his intentions: he wants to stay at Barça. In statements made back in December, the forward expressed feeling comfortable, loved, and "100% focused" on winning titles with the Blaugrana. He highlighted the locker room atmosphere and his connection with the city as pillars of his resurgence.

The big question mark remains the economy. Barcelona holds a purchase option of approximately £26 million—no small fee given the club's well-documented financial constraints. Nevertheless, Flick considers Rashford vital and hasn't hidden his desire to keep him, publicly praising his speed, finishing, and technical quality.

Despite Carrick's interest, a return to Manchester faces significant hurdles. According to The Telegraph, while the manager is a fan, the club's original goal was to move on from a heavy contract that runs until 2028.

Furthermore, sources close to the player indicate that Rashford is enjoying life away from the relentless scrutiny of the British press. In Barcelona, the weight of the team's performance doesn't rest solely on his shoulders, a shift that has done wonders for his mental state and confidence.

Even without being an undisputed starter—starting 18 of 31 games—Rashford has embraced Flick’s rotation policy. With the stellar form of Raphinha and the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, he has accepted his role without causing internal friction. Those close to him say he enjoys a lower profile, allowing him to simply enjoy football again.

As summer approaches, the door remains open. Manchester United is watching, Barcelona is crunching the numbers, and Rashford continues to smile on the pitch. For now, his future looks closer to the Camp Nou than a return to the "Theatre of Dreams."