Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United starting line-up against Ipswich Town, marking his first start for the club in 627 days.
The England international forward was selected by manager Michael Carrick as part of four changes following United's shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening day of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot also came into the team for the Premier League encounter, as Carrick reshuffled his starting XI at Old Trafford.
Rashford's inclusion in the team represents his first start for the Red Devils since December 12, 2024, when he featured against Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League.
Following that European match, the forward was axed from the matchday squad by then manager Ruben Amorim. Rashford subsequently left Old Trafford in the January transfer window to join fellow Premier League side Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.
Loan spells and return to Old Trafford
Upon returning to Manchester United, Rashford was placed in a separate training group, often described as a 'bomb squad', under Amorim. He was subsequently sent out on another temporary move, joining Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona on a season-long loan deal.
Barcelona ultimately opted against exercising an option to sign the England attacker on a permanent basis. As a result, Rashford returned to Carrington to be included in Manchester United's squad for the current campaign.
Manchester United are one of English football's most decorated clubs, playing their home fixtures at Old Trafford in Greater Manchester. Opponents Ipswich Town, based at Portman Road in Suffolk, are competing in the Premier League. Manager Michael Carrick, a former United midfielder who won multiple honours with the club, took charge following the departure of Amorim.
With Carrick turning to Rashford for the Ipswich Town fixture, the forward will look to re-establish his career at Old Trafford after nearly two years without a starting place in the Red Devils' team.
