Marcus Rashford has reportedly made a strong impression on Manchester United officials since returning to the club following his loan spell at Barcelona, with the England international showing a renewed commitment during his first weeks back at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old forward made his first appearance for his boyhood club in around 20 months on Saturday, marking an unexpected return after spending last season away from Manchester. People within United’s training setup reportedly believe Rashford has handled a potentially difficult situation professionally and has been putting considerable effort into training sessions.

There is now growing optimism inside the club that Rashford could remain at Manchester United after the current transfer window closes. Although more than two weeks remain before the deadline, the possibility of the forward staying in Manchester appears to be increasing with every passing day.

If Rashford does remain at United, some figures around the club reportedly believe it could represent the beginning of a fresh chapter in his career. His relationship with the club has not always been straightforward in recent seasons, but his attitude since returning has apparently encouraged those around the team.

United manager Michael Carrick is understood to have spoken at length with Rashford before the player returned to first-team duties. Carrick, who previously played alongside Rashford, reportedly wanted to establish a clear understanding with the England star before his reintegration into the squad.

Rashford returned after Barcelona decided against activating a reported £26 million purchase option following his loan spell in Catalonia. His time in Spain had been viewed positively, but Barcelona ultimately chose not to complete a permanent transfer.

There has reportedly been interest from clubs outside England, yet no suitable move has materialized so far. With the transfer window still open, Rashford’s future remains officially uncertain, although the current indications increasingly point toward him staying at Old Trafford.

The forward rejoined his United teammates on August 9 and was introduced to a number of new members of staff who have arrived at the club during his absence. He was also given the opportunity to see the club’s upgraded training facilities, which have reportedly undergone a major £50 million redevelopment.

Rather than distancing himself from the squad, Rashford has apparently made a deliberate effort to reconnect with his teammates and become involved in the club’s younger generation of players.

One area that has particularly attracted attention is his relationship with United’s emerging academy talent. Sources claim Rashford has shown a strong interest in helping younger players adjust to the demands of first-team football, with 15-year-old JJ Gabriel among those to have benefited from his guidance.

Gabriel is regarded as one of the most promising young players within United’s system and has already received considerable praise for his performances at youth level. Rashford’s willingness to spend time with the teenager has reportedly been viewed positively by people at the club.

The England forward has also been working with 19-year-old winger Shea Lacey, another highly rated young player. His presence around United’s emerging stars could prove valuable given Rashford’s own experience of progressing through the academy before becoming an established first-team player.

Rashford has also been quick to reconnect with England teammate Kobbie Mainoo. The pair have shared the international stage and are familiar with each other from their time representing both club and country.

His connections with former teammates and players he has worked alongside also extend beyond United. Following his loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford reportedly developed a close relationship with Youri Tielemans, who later moved from the Birmingham-based club to Manchester United earlier in the summer.

The overall picture suggests that Rashford is attempting to make a positive impression during his return. One observer reportedly described his approach as a clear effort to create a “second impression” at United and demonstrate that he is prepared to contribute to the team.

That change in attitude could be particularly important as United consider whether to keep him beyond the transfer deadline. Rashford has previously enjoyed some of his best football at Old Trafford, but recent seasons have been disrupted by inconsistent performances, changes in management and uncertainty over his long-term position at the club.

His return therefore represents more than simply another player coming back from loan. It could provide Rashford with an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with the club and supporters while competing for a regular place in Carrick’s team.

Senior members of the United squad have also publicly expressed support for the possibility of Rashford remaining. Harry Maguire, who has played alongside the forward for several years, recently backed him after United’s 4-2 pre-season defeat against AC Milan in Poland.

Maguire emphasized the attacking threat Rashford can offer and suggested that having him available would be a major benefit to the team. He acknowledged that the transfer window remained open but made it clear that United’s players would welcome Rashford staying.

The defender also pointed to his extensive experience of playing both alongside Rashford and against him. From that perspective, Maguire believes the forward can make a significant contribution if he remains part of the squad.

Rashford’s future is therefore still not completely settled, but the situation appears to have shifted since his return. Instead of allowing uncertainty over his next move to affect his preparations, he has reportedly thrown himself into training and taken an active role in supporting younger teammates.

With the transfer window approaching its final weeks, United will ultimately have to decide whether keeping Rashford is the best option for the club and the player. For now, however, his attitude has reportedly impressed those inside the training ground.

If he stays, Rashford will have the chance to revive his Manchester United career under Carrick and potentially establish himself as an important member of the squad once again. His experience, international pedigree and familiarity with the club could make him a valuable asset, while his recent involvement with United’s academy prospects suggests he may also have an increasingly influential role off the pitch.

After a complicated period away from Old Trafford, Rashford now appears determined to make the most of his unexpected return. Whether this becomes a permanent new beginning or simply another stage in his career remains to be seen, but the early signs from inside United have reportedly been encouraging.