Marcus Rashfords Manchester United comeback has been delayed after Michael Carrick confirmed the forward was not ready to feature against Leeds. The England international had been tipped to make his first appearance for United since December 2024 during Saturdays pre-season friendly in Dublin, but was left out of the matchday squad as the Reds played out a 1-1 draw at Croke Park.Rashford only recently rejoined the group after being granted an extended break following Englands run to the World Cup semi-finals.Carrick revealed the 28-year-old, along with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, was being managed carefully ahead of the final stages of pre-season.Marcus, Licha and Kobbie arent quite ready yet, Carrick told MUTV before kick-off. Were preserving them for this weekend.Rashford has endured an eventful 19 months away from Old Trafford.After falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barcelona on another temporary deal last season.The Catalan club had the option to sign him permanently but instead strengthened their attack with Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, paving the way for Rashfords return to Manchester.Despite speculation linking him with another move, Carrick suggested the forward remains firmly in his plans.Hes our player, the United head coach told ITV. Hes come back in great condition and gives us something different. Ive known Marcus for a long time and were excited to have him back.United round off their pre-season schedule against AC Milan before opening the new Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City. Topics Manchester United F.C. Marcus Rashford Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester United 1-1 Leeds: Report, result and goals as Red Devils win on penalties against Premier League opponents Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 How to watch the Premier League 2026/27: Full details of TV channel, confirmed online streams to follow English football Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 WATCH: Zirkzee gives Manchester United lead before Leeds hit back Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 Man United vs Leeds live: Confirmed teams and full line ups for friendly Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Manchester City sign goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli for a second time Jon Fisher 12th August, 2026 Manchester United pre season tour 2026: Full fixtures and details Ben Miller 12th August, 2026
