Rashford could be United’s surprise package

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison reckons the return of Marcus Rashford could be the key to a successful season for Manchester United.

The Premier League kicks off this weekend with Rashford back in the United fold following Barcelona’s decision not to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal. Michael Carrick has re-integrated the England international back into his squad, and Morrison reckons he could light up the Premier League once more.

“Carrick might be able to get the best out of Marcus Rashford,” he said. “I just have a feeling: if he could stay at Man Utd and rediscover the form that we know Marcus Rashford was showing at Barcelona last season, he could be a surprise package for the Premier League, for sure."

United open their campaign with an away tie at newly promoted Hull City in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Morrison, who played top-flight club football for Crystal Palace and Birmingham City, is predicting a successful season for the Red Devils and believes they will finish in the top four alongside Liverpool, Manchester City and his tip for another title – Arsenal.

Speaking to Free Bets, the TV pundit explained: “Bruno Guimarães is a really good signing. I think he's fantastic. I still think they probably need a centre-forward, and they've been trying to get Julián Álvarez. But Viktor Gyökeres had a good season last season. I still think they've got a lot of good attacking players.

“So, I just feel like a lot of the other teams have got new managers and new players adapting, so it's going to take time, where I think Arsenal are really settled. So, I'm going to go for Arsenal, the favourites this season.”