Marcus Rashford has reportedly decided not to ask for his old Manchester United shirt number back, which is currently taken by Matheus Cunha. The former was given the No.10 upon his signing from Wolves last summer, while Rashford's future at Old Trafford was extremely uncertain.
Rashford's return and shirt number decision
Just over one year on from that period, and it is starting to look increasingly likely that Rashford will stay at United for the upcoming campaign after Barcelona chose not to activate the option-to-buy included in his loan switch.
He subsequently made his first United appearance since December 2024 in last Saturday's pre-season friendly defeat to Ruben Amorim's AC Milan. The No.9, which was also the shirt number he wore during a six-month stint at Villa Park, was on his back for that 29-minute cameo.
Rashford still officially doesn't have a number but is set to wear the No.14 for the upcoming season, which is what he wore during his time in Spain. Rashford could have asked for his previous shirt number back, but according to The Sun, he has not done so out of respect for Cunha.
Club restructuring and transfer activity
The Brazil international had a great first season at United as he scored 10 goals and grabbed four assists. He was part of an attacking restructure at the club with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho joining Rashford in leaving, while Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko joined.
Midfield has been the area overhauled this summer, with Casemiro departing while Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined.
United have focused on signing players from other Premier League sides over the last few years, with that set to continue in the final few weeks of the window. According to The Athletic, United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a fee in the region of £65million.
Further transfer targets and potential departures
With a third midfielder set to join, United could focus all their attention on signing a new left-back. Lewis Hall has been their top target, but Newcastle United have no plans to sell, which has seen Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander and Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys emerge as alternatives.
A new frontline addition was under consideration, but only if Rashford departed with Crysencio Summerville and Iliman Ndiaye linked. However, with Rashford appearing set to stay, that looks unlikely, and departures could instead become a priority with Joshua Zirkzee and Toby Collyer among those that could be moved on.
