Marcus Rashford could be a shock beneficiary of Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment at Manchester United, with the incoming manager set to give the forward a final chance to revive his career at Old Trafford.

Pochettino has agreed to become United’s new manager after Michael Carrick’s sacking on Thursday, with a deal set to be completed after the United States’ matches in the international break.

Rashford was reintegrated into United’s first team during the summer following a season-long loan at Barcelona, having initially been expected to leave the club after falling out with previous manager Ruben Amorim.

United had hoped to sell Rashford in the summer but, with no takers, the 29-year-old became an important part of Carrick’s team to start the season, featuring in eight matches before suffering an injury that has kept him out of action for the last month.

Rashford has yet to score this season and the England international remains one of United’s highest earners, with his contract set to expire in 2028, and doubts continue to persist over his long-term future amid his inconsistent displays and fitness concerns.

However, The Telegraph report that Pochettino’s arrival could mark a change in fortune for Rashford, with Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw also being named as players who will be ‘embraced’ by United’s new boss.

Rashford will be Pochettino’s Dele Alli at Man Utd, claims former colleague

Having come up against Rashford numerous times in his managerial career, Pochettino is said to ‘relish’ the chance to work with him, with comparisons being made to the Argentine’s handling of Dele Alli at Tottenham.

An unnamed former colleague is reported to have said: “Mauricio has always loved Rashford. He will put an arm around him and give him that same kind of love he showed to Dele Alli. Then it’s up to Rashford.”

Speaking during the 2022 World Cup, Pochettino said of Rashford: “I’ve always liked him, I knew of his process because I was in England, but I think he’s a great player.

“He just needs the confidence and for himself to believe, to put him at the top level. The quality is there for him.”

Fernandes, meanwhile, was a player who Pochettino tried to sign at Tottenham, while Shaw enjoyed his breakthrough at Southampton under the 54-year-old.

“He’ll like Rashford, Bruno, Mainoo, Baleba, Shaw, Amad and Dorgu,” the former colleague said. “They are all players who have qualities he usually likes and fit the way he likes his teams to play. Some of the others might have to prove themselves to him.”