Man Utd make major decision over Marcus Rashford future as clear signal sent

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United have signalled their intent to keep hold Marcus Rashford this summer by handing him a new shirt number, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Transfer reporter Romano understands the Red Devils have given Rashford the No. 14 jersey ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Romano claims the decision reflects United’s willingness to retain the 28-year-old amid intense speculation surrounding his future.

Rashford had hoped to seal a permanent move to Barcelona following a successful loan spell at Camp Nou last season.

However, the La Liga giants decided not to trigger their €30million (£26m) option to buy the England international.

After a permanent move to Barcelona collapsed, Rashford was included in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

STATS

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 49

  Games

• 14

  Goals

• 12

  Assists

View all stats

He recorded a goal and an assist apiece in North America as England achieved their best finish at the World Cup since 1966 by finishing third.

And Rashford has since returned to United’s Carrington training ground after taking in a short break following his World Cup exploits.

Rashford has not completed a full season with United since 2023-24, having spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa.

Since emerging through United’s youth system in 2016, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the Old Trafford club.

Before taking in spells with Villa and Barcelona, Rashford previously wore the No. 10 shirt at United. He also donned the No. 39 jersey following his introduction into the first team.

United boss Michael Carrick had previously said he was looking forward to a reunion with Rashford in pre-season.

Ahead of United’s clash with Leeds United in Dublin on Wednesday, Carrick said: “I've played with him (Rashford). I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history.

“We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together. Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie and Lisandro. We look forward to seeing them.”

Carrick may now look to hand Rashford some minutes against Leeds at Croke Park, before United wrap up their pre-season schedule with a trip to Poland to face AC Milan.