Manchester United have confirmed that Marcus Rashford will wear the No.9 shirt this season. Rashford, who has returned to Old Trafford following a season-long loan at Barcelona, lost his No.10 shirt to Matheus Cunha last summer when it looked as if his Red Devils career was over.
The forward has now inherited another iconic shirt, with the news confirmed ahead of United's first game of the Premier League season away to newly promoted Hull on Saturday. Meanwhile, academy stars Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel will wear No.31 and No.77 respectively.
Decision signals United's plans for Rashford
The decision to hand Rashford the No.9 shirt is further evidence that the Red Devils plan to keep him. Barcelona had the option to sign him permanently for £26million but went in a different direction. United then set a price tag of £40m but no suitor emerged.
Michael Carrick is now counting on Rashford to play a key role back at his boyhood club.
Carrick praises Rashford's return
"It's been pretty obvious since Marcus came back training with Kobbie [Mainoo] and Licha [Lisandro Martinez] pretty much, in Dublin, that he's come back fantastically well," Carrick told a pre-match press conference.
"He's enjoying his football, he looks fit, he looks sharp, he looks strong, he looks ready to play football. So, I've been delighted with him since he's come back."
Versatility across the frontline
The United manager was also asked if Rashford, who prefers to play on the wing, could be used as a striker. "Of course he can play through in the middle. He has done," Carrick replied.
"I wouldn't say it's naturally his No.1 position, but he can do that, and I think we've got forwards that give us that flexibility right across the frontline, we've used all of them, pretty much, in slightly different roles. So, I think for us to have that option is really good moving through the season."
Carrick also told TNT Sports: "Marcus is a highly talented player. When I was playing and he came into the team, he was fresh, young and playing in the No. 9 position. He burst onto the scene and did some unbelievable things."
"He has had such a good career and people judge things and always expect the best, best, best out of everyone all the time, but some of the greatest players that played alongside me here had ups and downs throughout their career."
"I remember Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) had some challenging times on the pitch during his twenties and that's just part of the game and look at how he finished his career. That's part of being a player, especially here when the club has enjoyed so much success and then there are times when it doesn't come so easy."
"You have to deal with it and push on, and Marcus looks really good. He looks sharp, he's in a really good place, and it's been great to have him back around over the last couple of weeks."
