Marcus Rashford could make his long-awaited return to action for Manchester United this week.The forward has not played for the Red Devils since December 2024 having lost his place under former manager Ruben Amorim.Rashford could make his first United appearance since December 2024 on WednesdayGettyRashford has since enjoyed loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona across the last 18 months.The 28-year-old could be set to appear for United on Wednesday, though.Rashford returnHe has joined up with the squad in the Republic of Ireland ahead of their pre-season friendly against Leeds United.Rashford was given extended time off following his World Cup exploits earlier this summer.United face their Premier League rivals at Croke Park in Dublin, with kick-off at 7:30pm.They then conclude their preparations for the new season against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland on Saturday.Rashford could face an awkward reunion with Amorim if he features against the Italian giants.Milan appointed Amorim as manager in June, five months on from his Old Trafford exit.The Portuguese coach handed Rashford just six appearances during his time as United boss, with the England international scoring three goals.However, he was dropped by Amorim before being loaned to Villa in February 2025.Rashford has joined up with his United teammates in IrelandGettyHis subsequent spell at Barcelona saw Rashford score 14 goals and provide 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.Barca also won the LaLiga title, but opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle instead of triggering Rashford’s buy clause.According to Fabrizio Romano, Rashford will be given the No.14 shirt upon his United return.The shirt number was most recently worn by Christian Eriksen between 2022 and 2025.Rashford had previously been United’s No.10, but the shirt was given to Matheus Cunha upon his arrival at the club last summer.talkSPORT verdicttalkSPORT’s Perry Groves believes it is down to Michael Carrick whether Rashford plays for United this season.Rashford is set for a reunion with former United boss Amorim against Milan on SaturdayGettyAppearing on Sunday Session with Sam Ellard, he was asked if the academy graduate will still be at the club when the transfer window closes.Groves replied: “Well, that’ll be up to Michael Carrick. That’s because Man United played really well last season, ended up coming third and Michael Carrick got them out of trouble.”Comparing Rashford to Gordon, he added: “Michael Carrick came in and he had a football brain and just simplified it all and he quite frankly now has more say who’s going in and who’s going out.“So with Marcus Rashford it’s, I think, really interesting for Man United fans because if you had the top Marcus Rashford and the top Anthony Gordon, at their peak, Marcus Rashford beats Gordon every single time on productivity from that left hand side.“You know how good he is, but Man United fans have got to try and process the way he left and played there, when he wasn’t running about. You could say his body language was awful.“We don’t know what was going on off the pitch rather than on it because he didn’t look like as a person he was in the best space.“And he played the ‘you shouldn’t have a go at me because it really hurts me because I’m a product of the academy,’ played that card.“You’re like, ‘well if it means that much to you, run around and give it everything you’ve got.’”