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Marcus Rashford has not been included in Manchester United's pre-season squad for the friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm as he completes a compulsory rest period after the World Cup. The forward is currently taking his three-week post-tournament break after representing England in North America, which has kept him out of the early stages of the club's friendly preparations.

Mandatory rest delays return

Rashford had to sit out United's game against Atletico in Stockholm this Saturday while he serves his mandatory post-World Cup break. As per the regulations, players are entitled to a compulsory three-week rest period after their final match in North America with England. The 28-year-old forward is now getting ready to return to training as he works to rebuild his fitness ahead of the new season.

Rashford future under spotlight

The attacker's future at Old Trafford has once again come under focus following the end of his loan spell at Barcelona, which did not lead to a permanent deal. Although he helped the Spanish giants win the Liga title, the Catalan club chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead.

The situation became more complicated after a £40 million release clause, available only to Premier League clubs, expired without any formal offers being submitted. Manchester United officials are still eager to move the player on in order to reduce his £325,000-a-week wages, but no interested club has met their asking price.

At the same time, the player's relationship with the coaching staff has improved after the departure of Ruben Amorim, who had previously pushed him out of the first-team set-up. The appointment of Michael Carrick as manager has now given him a fresh chance to prove his worth.

Wage burden and impasse

Any possible departure for Rashford will require major compromises over both the transfer fee and the player's personal wage demands if he is to leave Old Trafford. Barcelona's decision not to make the move permanent, along with limited interest from within England, has left the club hierarchy with few options. Bringing this deadlock to an end will be crucial for preserving financial stability and dressing-room balance at United.

Integration on Ireland tour

Rashford is expected to link up with his team-mates soon for the club's upcoming training camp in Ireland. He could return to action in the high-profile friendly against Leeds United at Croke Park in Dublin on August 12. That match will be an important measure of both his physical condition and his place in the squad under Carrick before the competitive season begins.