Carrick handed huge lift as “fearless” United star will return from injury in time for new season – The Athletic

Manchester United are set to welcome Kobbie Mainoo back from international duty in three weeks’ time, though the 20-year-old midfielder is set to be joined by the less welcome Marcus Rashford, according to a new report. World Cup Heartbreak Following the omission of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw by Thomas Tuchel, Mainoo and Rashford were the only two Manchester United players selected for England’s squad for the World Cup, though ex-Red Devil Dean Henderson was also on the plane. The Three Lions had travelled to North America as one of the pre-tournament favourites, based on the irrepressible combination of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane up top, and a ruthless German in the dugout, who was meant to specialise in cup competitions. And while hysteria turned to heartbreak in an agonising final seven minutes in the semi-final clash with Argentina, as La Albiceleste came from a goal down to win 2-1 in the 93rd minute, the 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff secured England their best result at a World Cup since 1966. Yet the furore for Tuchel to be dismissed remains rife – with good reason. With five minutes to go against Argentina, England were winning 1-0. They had one foot in the final following Anthony Gordon’s opener just after half-time. But in a bizarre demonstration of self-sabotage, Tuchel opted to shut up shop with 35 minutes of the game still to play, inviting pressure from Argentina as England dropped deep to defend their box. Predictably, with the best player in the history of the sport in their side, Lionel Scaloni’s side found not one, but two breakthroughs to this English dam. Had Tuchel opted to bring on Rashford earlier, the 28-year-old’s pace and power would have given his side a much-needed outlet on the counter-attack to relieve pressure. Similarly, the game was crying out for the “fearless” Mainoo, who did not play a single minute all tournament, and his cool, calm and collected approach in midfield, possessing the confidence to keep his head – and the ball – where his teammates had lost theirs. Alas, this is England after all; snatching defeat from the jaws of victory on football’s grandest stage is as much a part of the national identity as cups of tea and queues. When will Mainoo and Rashford return? The Athletic reveals Mainoo and Rashford have now jetted off on holiday, with both players expected to report back for pre-season training with Manchester United in Dublin. “The expectation is that Mainoo joins up with United during their week in Dublin from August 10, with the friendly against Leeds United taking place at Croke Park on August 12,” the report states. “At this stage, he is set to be joined in the Irish capital by Marcus Rashford. England was a better experience for Rashford, who scored against Croatia and brilliantly set up Bukayo Saka against France in a blistering 45 minutes.” While Rashford ran riot in the ‘Bronze Match’ against Les Bleus, Mainoo missed out with a back injury. After the game, Tuchel revealed the youngster had been “injured in the last training session”, and had a “sharp pain” in his back. Fortunately, The Athletic claims the “issue is not expected to have any bearing on United, given it was the type of problem that usually keeps a player out for a game. But the three-week break he is now due will be useful for readjusting mentally after missing out on the high of actually playing for your country at a World Cup.” Conversely, while INEOS remain intent on selling Rashford, the market has proved quiet for the Wythenshawe native following FC Barcelona’s decision to not trigger the £26 million buy-option in his loan deal. The report states the “prospect” of a return has “increased” while he has been at the World Cup, though it is noted he will not be able to adorn the No.10 shirt, which was taken by Matheus Cunha last summer. The No.14 – which he wore at Camp Nou – is available, however. Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.