By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Manchester United have handed Marcus Rashford the No. 14 shirt and are reintegrating the England forward into the first-team squad, signalling a significant change in the club’s stance on his future.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that United had decided to give Rashford the new squad number as a message of trust and to make clear that he remains part of the team.
Romano said Rashford was travelling with the squad, adding that the 28-year-old could remain at Old Trafford unless a bid from a major European club arrives before the transfer window closes.
The development represents a major shift for Rashford, whose future at United had been uncertain following his loan spell at Barcelona last season.
Barcelona opted not to make his move permanent despite a €30 million purchase option, with the Catalan club instead strengthening their attack with other signings. Rashford subsequently returned to United, where he is now working under manager Michael Carrick.
Romano had already indicated earlier in the week that Rashford was increasingly likely to remain at United for the 2026/27 season, with no active negotiations underway for his departure at that stage.
The latest decision to assign him the No. 14 shirt appears to reinforce that direction, although United have not completely closed the door on a transfer if a suitable offer from a top European club materialises.
Rashford’s return comes after a productive loan campaign at Barcelona, where he reportedly contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. However, Barcelona ultimately decided against exercising the option to sign him permanently.
His reintegration also comes as United prepare for the new Premier League campaign. Carrick’s side drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring United’s equaliser after PSG had taken an early lead.
Rashford’s situation is therefore no longer simply about finding a new club. With United now giving him a new shirt number and including him in the travelling squad, the club appears prepared to give the academy graduate another opportunity to revive his Manchester United career.
