And so it begins. Before a ball has been kicked on the training ground, Marcus Rashford is back on the front pages.

And for what? What salacious scandal has the footballing target of the tabloids’ ire become embroiled in now? Well, having the nerve to be on holiday days before he was due back to work at Manchester United.

Photographs of Rashford full of on the French Riviera being deemed that newsworthy provided his family with a reminder of what is to come if a move to another top European side does not materialise in the coming weeks.

A year of blissful Catalonian anonymity is no more. Behind closed doors, the overriding feeling at Old Trafford was that Rashford was finished, as a United player and perhaps an elite-level forward, as he headed out on various loans over the past few years. Football has a funny way of bringing people back together and providing the most unlikely of second chances.

United supporters are torn, but if Rashford builds on a career-saving season at Barcelona to fire the club back up the table again – which he is more than capable of doing – then we have the most heartwarming tale on our hands.

And before he has had an opportunity to alienate his former fervent following for a second time, Rashford deserves some space, without being unfairly vilified by those who should have learned lessons from the last time they hounded him out of the country.

The 28-year-old linked up with teammates in Dublin this week and will begin pre-season training alongside Kobbie Mainoo, also granted extended leave after England’s World Cup endeavours, away from the media’s glare.

He is almost certainly not going to feature against Leeds United in Wednesday’s friendly, but the scrutiny will quickly intensify, as next up at the weekend is a reunion with the coach who began the ostracisation process two years ago – now AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim.

Beyond that is anyone’s guess. The i Paper understands that the plan is for Rashford to return to the United setup like he never left, ahead of a challenging season that will see a stretched squad return to the Champions League.

Several sources have indicated that the saga may not be over yet. While those closest to Rashford insist he holds no aspirations to play for another Premier League club, there are understood to be at least four teams interested.

The issue remains that all of his potential suitors are only likely to sanction a loan move, which is not what United want to entertain.

Co-owner Ineos is keen to get Rashford’s wages – £325,000-a-week, making him United’s top earner – off the books, but not temporarily, again.

Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabian clubs are prepared to make an offer, but the Rashfords have been clear that is a non-starter.

It is also understood that United are unlikely to sanction a move to a direct rival, given how it could come back to haunt them. Nobody is doubting Rashford retains the ability to score plenty of goals.

If Real Madrid or Bayern Munich return with a late loan offer where a fee is attached, it would give everyone something to think about. In this season where the Prime Video cameras are always watching, do United need the drama Rashford’s unfair media attention brings? Does the player want to risk being booed by his own again?

As it stands, nobody has a choice in the matter. United would need to replace Rashford if he goes, and do not appear close to even identifying a feasible alternative.

Read more

That leaves only one scenario left to play out. While he has made mistakes – what young millionaire footballer hasn’t – Rashford has never done anything to be written off before he has had a chance to let his magic feet do the talking.

He has previous. And those more loyal United supporters, ready to rally round one of their own again, have not forgotten.

Give the happy ending a chance, for everyone’s sake.