Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United matchday squad after 20 months

Marcus Rashford has returned to a Manchester United matchday squad for the first time in around 20 months after being named among the substitutes for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Hull City.

The 28-year-old had not featured in a competitive United squad since December 2024, having subsequently spent loan spells away from Old Trafford.

His inclusion at the MKM Stadium marks a significant step in his reintegration under Michael Carrick, who has brought Rashford back into the first-team picture ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Rashford starts the match on the bench, with United instead opting for a front line built around their other attacking options.

There are also competitive debuts for summer midfield signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, both of whom have been selected in the starting XI.

Benjamin Šeško is among the substitutes after recovering sufficiently from a calf problem to be included in the squad, although United have chosen not to start the striker.

The match against newly promoted Hull is United’s first Premier League fixture of the season and the beginning of Carrick’s first full campaign in charge.

Rashford’s return will inevitably attract particular attention given the uncertainty that surrounded his future over the previous two seasons. For now, however, his presence in the matchday squad confirms that he is once again available for competitive selection at Manchester United.