Michael Carrick, interim manager of Manchester United, clarified why forward Marcus Rashford was not included in the squad for the pre-season match against Leeds. Carrick stated that Rashford, along with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, is still being carefully managed as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Rashford, who recently returned to the club after an extended break following his involvement in England's World Cup semi-final run, was expected to make his first appearance since December 2024. However, he was left out of the squad for the 1-1 draw in Dublin.

Carrick commented before the game, "Marcus, Licha and Kobbie aren’t quite ready yet. We’re preserving them for this weekend."

The forward has had a notable period away from Old Trafford over the past 19 months. After falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, he spent the latter half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aston Villa, followed by a temporary spell at Barcelona last season. Barcelona opted not to make the move permanent, instead acquiring other attacking players, which has led to Rashford's return to Manchester United.

Despite transfer speculation, Carrick indicated that Rashford is a key part of his plans. "He’s our player," Carrick told ITV. "He’s come back in great condition and gives us something different. I’ve known Marcus for a long time and we’re excited to have him back."

Manchester United will conclude their pre-season fixtures against AC Milan before beginning their Premier League campaign away at newly promoted Hull City.

Michael Carrick Explains Rashford Omission from Manchester United vs. Leeds Clash

Manchester United's interim manager, Michael Carrick, has stated that Marcus Rashford's return to competitive action has been postponed, as the forward was deemed not yet fit to participate in the match against Leeds. The England international had been anticipated to make his first appearance for United since December 2024 during Saturday's pre-season friendly in Dublin. However, he was ultimately excluded from the matchday squad for the Reds' 1-1 draw at Croke Park.

Rashford recently rejoined the team after being granted an extended leave following England's progression to the World Cup semi-finals. Carrick revealed that the 28-year-old, alongside Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, is being managed with caution in the lead-up to the final stages of pre-season. Speaking to MUTV before the game, Carrick said, "Marcus, Licha and Kobbie aren’t quite ready yet. We’re preserving them for this weekend."

Rashford has experienced a dynamic 19 months away from Old Trafford. After losing favor under manager Ruben Amorim, he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aston Villa, and then joined Barcelona on another temporary deal last season. Although the Catalan club had the option to sign him permanently, they instead reinforced their attack with players like Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, clearing the path for Rashford's return to Manchester.

Despite speculation linking him with a potential move, Carrick suggested that the forward remains an integral part of his plans. "He’s our player," the United head coach told ITV. "He’s come back in great condition and gives us something different. I’ve known Marcus for a long time and we’re excited to have him back."

United will wrap up their pre-season schedule against AC Milan before commencing their new Premier League campaign with an away fixture against newly promoted Hull City.

<title>Michael Carrick Explains Marcus Rashford's Absence from Manchester United vs. Leeds Match</title>
<meta name="description" content="Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick confirms Marcus Rashford was not ready to play in the pre-season friendly against Leeds, citing the need for careful management ahead of the new season.">