Manchester United may have just saved millions of pounds in transfer fees after making a smart decision ahead of the new season. The club has had a steady summer, adding only three new players since the end of the previous campaign.
They began their window by signing former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, before spending a combined £85million on midfield duo Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. United are also believed to be in the market for a new left-back to cover for Luke Shaw, their only real option in that position.
Rashford's Return
United had also been tipped to improve their attacking threat by signing a new striker to compete with Benjamin Sesko for minutes. However, they may have already solved that problem by welcoming Marcus Rashford back into the fold.
The academy graduate was widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, having made no secret of his desire to stay at Barcelona. But the Catalan giants decided not to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, instead choosing to recruit Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to reinforce their forward line.
New Shirt Number
Rashford has since rejoined the Red Devils squad and has flown to Ireland for this week's pre-season training camp, which includes a friendly with Leeds United on Wednesday night. Interestingly, he has reportedly been handed a new shirt number, with the 29-year-old set to wear the No 14 this season – the same number he was given at Barcelona upon joining them on loan a year ago.
This suggests that Michael Carrick is planning on having Rashford around for the foreseeable future, which could turn out to be an inspired decision. He is capable of playing anywhere across the front three, allowing him to feature on the wings or in a central striking role.
Impact and Outlook
Last season, Rashford scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions for Barcelona, proving he can still perform at elite level. Carrick will be desperate to get Rashford firing on all cylinders as quickly as possible. He could be like a new signing for United if he hits the ground running when the competitive action gets underway.
With around three weeks until the window closes, there is still a chance he could leave Old Trafford, but staying at his boyhood club might just be the best move for all parties, especially United.
