Rashford's impact on Man Utd transfer deadline day plan as 'new signing' hailed

Michael Carrick admitted Marcus Rashford’s return to the Manchester United starting line-up has eased the need for last-minute business in the transfer window.

Carrick gave Rashford his first United start in 626 days and while he did not get on the scoresheet in the 5-2 win over Ipswich at Old Trafford, the 28-year-old England attacker impressed his manager.

And Rashford’s return to United’s squad has clearly influenced their transfer window policy. With the clock ticking down to the window’s close, Carrick said: “I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with.

“I think we're a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team, you know. Adding Marcus into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we're quite happy.”

Carrick, though, did not rule out any eleventh hour deals. He went on: “It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left. I think the situation that we're in. We're always open to if there's something else to be able to add, so I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see.”

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Rashford’s comeback - after the loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona - has clearly impressed Carrick, who has always been a fan.

The United boss said: “I've known him for a while, and then he wasn't here when I've come back, and now he is. So I think he's making the most of that for us and for him as well - to have the opportunity to be here. He's one of our own.

“He's living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win. There are players that have come back sometimes or players that maybe were going to leave, who didn't leave. It's always about what you do next and what your intentions are. He's been fantastic since he came back, I have to say, and it was great to see him on the pitch today for us.”

And Carrick also had special praise for Kobbie Mainoo, who did not see a minute’s action at the World Cup but was outstanding for United against Ipswich.

Carrick said: “I thought Kobbie was pretty much all-around very, very good for a first start back. We kind of managed him a little bit, and we've got good midfielders, so it's about trying to make the best of the combinations.

“I understand Bruno will get a lot of credit today, and he deserves that as well, but I thought Kobbie was immense in the middle of the pitch for us and underpinned the performance of the team.”

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