Manchester United may be heading towards an unexpected reset with Marcus Rashford after fresh talks between the club and the forward's camp.
The discussions have been described as amicable, with the 28-year-old open to returning for pre-season under Michael Carrick.
United are also prepared to welcome him back to training, giving the club flexibility they badly needed.
Earlier in the summer, United appeared to be looking for clarity, especially after Barcelona decided not to move forward with a permanent deal.
Now, Carrick may get the chance to assess Rashford properly in pre-season, which could be useful for both sides.
United still need attacking quality, and Rashford remains a player with pace, experience and a strong connection to the club.
For Rashford, this is a chance to repair relationships and show he can still be important in a new United project.
This could be a smart move from Manchester United, as it allows them to rebuild trust with Rashford and see if he still has a future at the club.
Even if they eventually sell Rashford, the club has the upper hand now, having protected his value and given themselves more time to make a decision.
If Rashford looks motivated, sharp and ready to compete in pre-season, United may have a player who can still help them.
The key point is that United now have control again, instead of being forced to make a rushed exit.
