Rashford could face old enemy in first game back for Man Utd against Milan

Marcus Rashford could face an old enemy in his first game back at Manchester United when they face AC Milan this month.

The forward was frozen out by Ruben Amorim ahead of his departure on loan but he could be back in Michael Carrick's attack for the friendly with the Italian side which is now led by Amorim.

It is becoming a remarkable turnaround for Rashford whose United career appeared to be over just a few months ago.

After spending last season on loan at Barcelona, the England international looked destined to seal a permanent move away from Old Trafford.

However, Barcelona opted against activating their option to buy, and with no suitable transfer yet materialising, Rashford is expected to report back for pre-season under Carrick.

It is a scenario few would have predicted when Rashford left for Spain, but it could hand Carrick an unexpected selection dilemma.

Unlike the circumstances that led to Rashford's departure, the 28-year-old returns to a very different United.

Carrick has overseen a significant rebuild this summer, with the squad refreshed by the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos while they now play a more attacking style at pace.

It could suit Rashford far better than the one he left behind.

Carrick is understood to have no personal issues with the academy graduate and is prepared to assess him during pre-season before any final decision is made over his future.

If Rashford remains at Old Trafford, he will face a lot more competition than when he left.

Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line, while Bryan Mbeumo is an option for the attack or the wings.

Matheus Cunha is another player capable of operating across the front line, giving Carrick a wealth of attacking options.

Rashford's pace is his biggest strength while he also has veratility. Comfortable on either wing or through the middle, he would provide experienced cover across multiple positions.

With United returning to Champions League football this season, squad depth will be essential across four competitions.

Rashford's spell in Spain reminded everyone of the qualities that made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.

Regular football helped him regain confidence, and he showed flashes of his pace, good movement and finishing that had been missing during the final months of his first spell at United.

If Carrick can oversee that form continuing, United could effectively have a "new signing" without spending another transfer fee.

Rashford is entering what should be the peak years of his career, and his experience could prove invaluable alongside a squad that has become significantly younger over the past two transfer windows.

Carrick wants his forwards to press aggressively, interchange positions and attack space quickly in transition. Those demands actually suit Rashford's strengths.

His pace allows him to stretch defences, while his ability to attack from the left before driving inside onto his stronger right foot remains one of his most dangerous weapons.

With creative players such as Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo and Tielemans supplying chances, Rashford could benefit from a more structured attacking system than the one he previously played in.