Marcus Rashford has been handed the No.14 shirt at Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Michael Carrick reportedly open to reintegrating the forward after he was previously frozen out of the first team.
Rashford previously wore No.10 at Old Trafford, but that number passed to Mateus Cunha at the start of last season. Romano’s report frames the fresh number as a message that Rashford is trusted and being brought back into the fold, though the situation still hinges on the market: unless a bid arrives from a top European club, the 28-year-old is set to stay at United this summer.
Why Rashford is still at United
Rashford’s last appearance for the Reds came on December 12, 2024. He later had a public row with then-manager Ruben Amorim over his attitude before leaving on loan for Barcelona.
He impressed during his spell in Spain, scoring 14 goals and adding 10 assists as Barcelona won La Liga under Hansi Flick. Barcelona subsequently opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £70million deal, leaving Rashford without a clear path back to the Nou Camp.
The England international has since rejoined United at Carrington before travelling with the squad to Dublin, as covered in United’s recent Dublin return build-up.
Carrick’s history with Rashford
Carrick and Rashford have worked together before. Carrick spent six years coaching Rashford on United’s staff and was club captain when the forward made his senior debut in February 2016.
Rashford could make his return in United’s pre-season friendly against Amorim’s AC Milan in Poland on Saturday. The wider squad-management picture around his reintegration is explored further in Stretty News’ look at United’s squad dynamics.
The numbers that still matter
Rashford remains United’s highest earner on £325,000 a week and has two years left on his contract. United are also due to face Leeds and AC Milan before the Premier League season begins, with the friendlies offering potential opportunities for him to feature.
| Shirt Number | Previous Number | Barcelona Output | Weekly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| No.14 | No.10 (now Cunha) | 14 goals, 10 assists | £325,000 |