Marcus Rashford has left Manchester United officials seriously impressed after returning to Old Trafford following his loan spell at Barcelona.
Insiders at United's training ground reported that the 28-year-old England international has fully embraced what could be viewed as a tricky situation and has been working relentlessly in training sessions.
Rashford made his first appearance for his boyhood club in 20 months on Saturday, signaling a fresh start under manager Michael Carrick.
There is a growing belief within Old Trafford that the forward will remain at the club beyond the end of the transfer window, with cautious optimism surrounding what could be a new chapter in a long, and not always smooth United career.
More than a fortnight remains before the closure of the transfer window, but the likelihood of Rashford remaining in Manchester increases with each passing day.
Mentoring Youth Prospects at Carrington
Daily Mail Sport understands that Carrick, who played alongside Rashford, held a lengthy discussion with the England international ahead of his return to United on August 9.
The forward rejoined his teammates after Spanish club Barcelona declined to trigger a £26million option following a successful loan spell in Catalonia. Although there has been interest from abroad, a move has failed to materialise so far.
Upon returning to the training ground, Rashford was introduced to a sizable number of new staff members who arrived in his absence and was shown the updated facilities following a £50m revamp.
Sources say Rashford has taken a keen interest in helping the club's younger players, particularly 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel, who has won rave reviews for his youth performances and is adapting to life with United's first team.
The forward has also spent time with 19-year-old winger Shea Lacey and was quick to reconnect with Three Lions teammate Kobbie Mainoo.
Following a previous loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford remains close with midfielder 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 regarding Rashford's attitude.
Teammates Back Rashford to Stay
The news comes after defender Harry Maguire gave his backing for Rashford to stay following a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Poland, which completed Manchester United's pre-season schedule.
"He's a huge threat to have in your team, if he's going to stay with us," Maguire said after the match.
"Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have," the defender added.
"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."
Rashford, who progressed through Manchester United's youth academy before making his senior debut in 2016, is one of the club's most experienced attackers. Manchester United, based at Old Trafford, are preparing for the upcoming season under Carrick following an extensive summer rebuild.
With foreign transfer interest quiet and Carrick offering strong backing, United officials expect Rashford to remain a pivotal part of the squad as the competitive season begins.
