Rashford set for uncomfortable Old Trafford return
Marcus Rashford faces an uncomfortable situation upon his return to Manchester United, as he currently finds himself without a squad number. His last outing for United came in December 2024, before spells away on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The 28-year-old displayed glimpses of top form at Villa before moving to Barcelona on loan last summer. Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions as the Catalan giants clinched La Liga, though Barcelona chose not to activate their £26million purchase option. A further £40m release clause has also now lapsed for other interested clubs.
Rashford is due to rejoin United training following his summer break. The England international featured in the squad that secured World Cup bronze, making six appearances, including three starts. Despite being sidelined under former boss Ruben Amorim, Rashford's representatives have had encouraging discussions with United about his pre-season return.
However, the forward must navigate a potentially uncomfortable situation as he looks to select a new United squad number, having lost the iconic number 10 shirt while away from Old Trafford.
Number 10 gone after Cunha switch
The iconic number 10 was handed to Matheus Cunha following his switch from Wolves last year. It had belonged to Rashford since 2018, following in the footsteps of many United legends, including Wayne Rooney.
Rashford originally wore number 39 when he made his breakthrough during the 2015/16 season. He then took the number 19 shirt for the following two campaigns before receiving the prestigious number 10.
In 2018, Rashford tweeted about his new number:
Wearing the shirt worn by United legends, honoured.
United boss Jose Mourinho explained the reason for giving the then-20-year-old the iconic number.
He wanted it,Mourinho told MUTV in 2018.
He always wanted it. Of course, he respected the big Rooney and then Zlatan wanted to have it. Of course, he was in the shadow, waiting for the opportunity and now the shirt is empty. It's something fantastic for the kid, let's give the shirt to him.
Which shirt Rashford can choose next
During his spell away from Old Trafford, Rashford wore nine for Villa, a number he'd previously donned for United's academy teams. He also took the number 14 shirt throughout his season with Barcelona. Both numbers from his respective loan stints are currently available at United.
Beyond nine and 14, numbers 20, 21 and 24 are also free for Rashford within the top 25 squad positions. However, when it comes to his other former United squad numbers, Bryan Mbeumo currently wears 19 and youngster Tyler Fletcher has 39 in Michael Carrick's side.
Summer arrivals Andrey Santos and Youri Tieleman have been handed 17 and 18, respectively, while new backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow will sport number 12.
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