Michael Carrick addressed Marcus Rashford’s absence from the Manchester United first-team after the England star signed for Barcelona last summer.
The 44-year-old, now back in a coaching role at United, had played alongside Rashford during the later years of his own career at Old Trafford.
Carrick also worked with the 28-year-old England international during his coaching stints under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho.
While Rashford was part of Carrick’s squad during his caretaker spell in 2021, that has not been the case since he returned as interim manager this season.
The British forward left the club in 2025 and has spent this season on loan at Barcelona.
Michael Carrick weighs in on Manchester United’s decision not to keep Marcus Rashford, now at Barcelona
Rashford fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim during the 2024-25 season and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa chose not to make his move permanent, so Rashford returned briefly to Old Trafford during Amorim’s time in charge.
But it was Barcelona who offered him a fresh start, making the decision to sign him from United during last summer’s transfer window.
At his pre-match press conference, Carrick was asked whether he felt it was unfortunate that Rashford had left United, given their history as teammates and coach-player.
“It’s difficult to say, you know, because circumstances at certain times, that I haven’t been involved in,” the Englishman said, according to Manchester United’s official website.
“It’s difficult for me to comment, really. I think the fact he’s come through the academy and had such a big impact here is a positive and as a club, he’s had some really big moments, and good moments, and I’ve shared some with him in the past, you know?”
Michael Carrick weighs in on Manchester United after Marcus Rashford loaned to Barcelona in 2025
The former Manchester United forward has found new life away from Old Trafford and has been playing well under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou during the 2025-26 season.
Carrick pointed to Rashford’s career path as a good example of how unpredictable football can be these days.
“So, football throws up certain things and obviously certain players, you can’t stay here forever and things happen.
He added: “That’s how it is.”
This season, Rashford has made 34 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists so far.
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