Rashford leaves Man United chiefs 'seriously impressed' after making Old Trafford return

Marcus Rashford has left Manchester United officials 'seriously impressed' following his return to the club after his loan spell at Barcelona.

Insiders at United's training ground say the 28-year-old, who made his first appearance for his boyhood club for 20 months on Saturday, has fully embraced what could be viewed as a tricky situation and has been working relentlessly in sessions.

There is a growing belief within Old Trafford that Rashford will remain at the club beyond the end of the transfer window and, should that be the case, there is cautious optimism over what could be a new chapter in a long, and not always-smooth United career. The likelihood of Rashford remaining in Manchester increases with each day that passes, although more than a fortnight remains to the closure of the transfer window.

Daily Mail Sport understands that manager Michael Carrick, who played alongside Rashford, held a lengthy discussion with the England international ahead of his return to United, which came after Barcelona declined to trigger a £26million option, despite a successful loan spell in Catalonia. There has been interest from abroad but, as of yet, a move has failed to materialise.

Rashford rejoined his team-mates on August 9 and was introduced to the sizable number of new staff who have arrived at the club since he was last there. He was also shown the new facilities at the training ground which has been given a £50m revamp.

Sources say Rashford has again taken a keen interest in helping the club's younger players – particularly JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old prodigy who has won rave reviews for his performances at youth level.

Rashford has also spent time with 19-year-old winger Shea Lacey and was quick to reconnect with Three Lions team-mate Kobbie Mainoo.

Following his loan spell at Aston Villa, he is known to be close with Youri Tielemans, who joined United from the Birmingham side earlier in the summer.

'It's clear to see that he is making a conscious effort to make the right second impression,' one observer noted.

The news comes after Harry Maguire gave his backing for Rashford to stay following a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Poland which completed the club's pre-season.

'He's a huge threat to have in your team, if he's going to stay with us,' Maguire said. 'Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have.

'I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us.'