Manchester United are set to hand Marcus Rashford a new squad number, the clearest indication yet that he will remain part of Michael Carrick's plans. The forward has returned to Old Trafford after his loan at Barcelona ended, with the Spanish club opting not to make the move permanent. Prior to that, he spent time on loan at Aston Villa after being frozen out by former boss Ruben Amorim.
New number, fresh start
During his 18-month absence, Rashford's No 10 shirt was given to Matheus Cunha, casting doubt over his future. But the 28-year-old is now back in the fold and has been handed the No 14 shirt, previously worn by Christian Eriksen.
Carrick confirmed that Rashford, who had an extended break after England's World Cup campaign, will rejoin the squad for their pre-season trip to Dublin, where United face Leeds at Croke Park.
Carrick's backing
Speaking about the forward, Carrick said: “I’ve played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history. We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together. Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martínez]. We look forward to seeing them.”
United are ready to reintegrate Rashford into the first-team environment, and unless a top European club makes a notable offer, he will remain at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Financial and squad context
Rashford remains United's highest earner on more than £300,000-a-week, complicating any potential sale due to the salary demands a buyer would need to meet. He scored 14 times last season for Barcelona and returns to a team that has strengthened its attack, spending £200million last summer on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu also provide competition for places.
