Rashford returns to MU, is the 'number 10' still on his back?

Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after Barcelona decided not to sign a permanent contract, but when the English striker reappeared at Old Trafford, a question immediately arose: "Will the number 10 shirt still belong to him?"

Marcus Rashford has officially returned Manchester United after Barcelona decided not to sign a long-term contract with the English striker. However, as soon as he reappeared at Old Trafford, a question was immediately raised: Will Rashford still wear the familiar number 10 shirt?

Rashford was once the owner of the number 10 shirt at MU before leaving the club on loan. This is also the number associated with the period when the English striker became one of the most notable stars at Old Trafford.

However, things have changed since Rashford left. Last summer, the number 10 shirt was given to Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian striker still plays an important role in coach Michael Carrick's plans and will continue to keep this number for the 2026/27 season.

That means Rashford will have to start a new chapter at MU with a completely different shirt number.

Rashford receives number 14 shirt

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rashford will wear the number 14 of MU in the 2026/27 season.

This is considered a notable detail on the day Rashford returned to Old Trafford. The 28-year-old striker returned to training with MU on Sunday and was given a new shirt number by the club, thereby showing that he is still part of coach Carrick's plans.

Notably, number 14 is not an unfamiliar choice for Rashford. He wore this same number during his loan spell at Barcelona last season.

In MU's history, the number 14 shirt has also belonged to many famous players. Christian Eriksen is the most recent to wear this number, while Jesse Lingard, Javier Hernandez, Alan Smith, Jordi Cruyff, and Andrei Kanchelskis have also used it.

For Rashford, switching from number 10 to number 14 can be seen as a milestone for a new chapter at Old Trafford. After a period that was not as successful as expected and Barcelona's refusal to buy him outright, the English striker now must prove that he still deserves a place in the MU squad.

Waiting for Rashford's return

MU fans may not have to wait long to see Rashford return to the pitch. He is likely to have the opportunity to play in the pre-season friendly against Leeds United this weekend.

If he is not in the best physical condition, Rashford may have to wait until the match against AC Milan for his official return.