Marcus Rashford made his debut for Manchester United 10 years ago and it was clear to see just how important the player would become for his boyhood club

Michael Carrick’s praise of Marcus Rashford’s debut for Manchester United showcases just how impressed he was by the academy star.

The current interim manager was still in the first team when Rashford burst onto the scene as a teenager. The then-18-year-old made his first appearance under Louis van Gaal after striker Anthony Martial got injured in the warm-up before facing FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Rashford netted two goals to send the team into the last-16 and cement his position as one of United’s newest talents. After he scored two and assisted the third in a 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Premier League just three days later, people really began to take notice.

It was here that Carrick gave the young Rashford some solid but firm advice. He said: “Watch yourself now. Enjoy it but you’re going to get a lot of media attention; everyone’s going to know you.

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“You’ve gone from no one knowing who you are to a potential superstar.”

These words spoke volumes as Rashford would go on to become one of the first names on the teamsheet and a modern club hero. The attacker has made 426 appearances for the club, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79 times.

However, following a public row with former boss Ruben Amorim and a drastic dip in form, Rashford was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa before joining Barcelona this season in a temporary switch.

His deal at the Spanish club includes a £26million option to buy which they are reportedly considering exercising in the summer. The 27-year-old has impressed thus far at Barca, with 23 goal contributions in 34 appearances.

Carrick’s words could signal an open door for Rashford at United as the caretaker boss clearly thinks highly of the forward. Despite all signs pointing towards a permanent exit, former teammate Juan Mata believes his boyhood love for the club could supersede all the issues Rashford has faced.

He said: “It’s not easy to handle with all the expectations and the pressure at the club like Man United but I think people will realise that he was a kid and he was a man who gave everything for the club he supported since he was a kid.

“You can see photos of him when he was almost a baby with a Man United shirt on. So it meant a lot for him to play for Man United. You could see that. I think he gave great moments and great memories for many fans. Of course, there were also some challenging times but I think they made him more mature and a stronger man.

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“Nobody has an easy career. It doesn’t matter how successful you have been. There are always challenges and he had that at the club. But he’s now in a new chapter.

“He went to Barcelona, which is one of the best teams in the world and he’s performing there. He’s showing his level. I’m very happy for him that he’s able to try and prove his level in different countries.”