Marcus Rashford to wear new squad number on Manchester United return
Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United with a new squad number, following his loan spell at Barcelona. The forward, who last played a competitive fixture for United in December 2024, is rejoining the squad for the next phase of their pre-season campaign in the Republic of Ireland.
Rashford’s previous No. 10 jersey at Old Trafford was reassigned to Matheus Cunha after Cunha joined the club. Reports indicate that Rashford will now take the No. 14 shirt, a number he wore during his time at Barcelona. The No. 14 shirt has been vacant since Christian Eriksen‘s departure at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Reintegration into the Squad
Michael Carrick, United’s manager, confirmed Rashford’s return, stating that the player will join the full squad in Dublin. Carrick mentioned that Rashford, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, will be part of the group for the upcoming pre-season fixtures. Rashford could feature as early as Wednesday when United faces Leeds United at Croke Park in Dublin.
Fabrizio Romano noted that Rashford will be reintegrated into the Manchester United squad unless an offer from a “top European club” materializes in the remaining three weeks of the transfer window. Rashford has two years remaining on his contract with United.
Carrick, who played with Rashford during his debut, expressed anticipation for his return. The manager will need to carefully manage Rashford’s reintegration, particularly given his past disciplinary issues under former manager Erik ten Hag and his public desire for a “new challenge” in 2025.
Rashford’s Recent Performance
During his loan spell at Barcelona, Rashford made a significant contribution, recording 28 goals and assists across 49 appearances in all competitions. He helped Barcelona secure the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Rashford, describing him as a “fantastic player and a fantastic person.”
However, Rashford’s role at Barcelona was not always that of a first-choice starter, often securing a spot when Raphinha was unavailable due to injury. Despite this, his overall output was notable. At his peak with United during the 2022-23 campaign, Rashford achieved 30 goals, a milestone unmatched by any other player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The No. 14 shirt has a history at United, having been worn by 10 permanent occupants since fixed jersey numbers were introduced in the Premier League in 1993. Notable players who have worn it include Jesse Lingard and Javier Hernández. The most successful player to wear the No. 14 for United is considered to be Andrei Kanchelskis, who was the first to wear it for the club in the division and was a two-time Premier League champion.
Rashford’s return suggests he will have a role to play under Carrick in the 2026-27 season. The squad still requires a specialist on the left wing, a position where Rashford has previously excelled. His re-establishment in Manchester appears to be the immediate path forward.
Rashford’s return to the squad comes after a period where he was reportedly part of a ‘bomb squad’ under former manager Ruben Amorim, training away from the first team alongside other players. This initiative by Amorim aimed to address attitude issues within the squad. However, Amorim’s tenure at United ended after 14 months.
The forward’s contract with Manchester United extends until the summer of 2028.
Source: si.com
