Marcus Rashford has rejoined the Manchester United squad for their pre-season tour in the Republic of Ireland, following his involvement with England in the World Cup. His return marks a new chapter as he takes on a different squad number for the upcoming season.
Rashford, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, will wear the No. 14 jersey upon his return to Old Trafford. This number was vacant last season, having previously been worn by Christian Eriksen. The No. 9 shirt was also available, but the No. 14 was chosen by Rashford.
The 28-year-old previously wore the No. 10 shirt for seven seasons at United, but it was reassigned to Matheus Cunha after Rashford’s loan move. His return to the squad comes as United prepares for their next pre-season match against Leeds United at Croke Park in Dublin on Wednesday.
Rashford’s Role and History with No. 14
Fabrizio Romano reported that Rashford will be reintegrated into the Manchester United squad. This is expected to be his path forward, as there is little indication of a transfer offer from a top European club in the remaining weeks of the transfer window. Rashford has two years remaining on his contract.
The No. 14 shirt has a history at United since fixed jersey numbers were introduced to the Premier League in 1993. It has had 10 permanent occupants, with notable names including Jesse Lingard and Javier Hernández. The most successful player to wear it for the club in the division is considered to be Andrei Kanchelskis, who was the first to do so. Kanchelskis was a two-time Premier League champion and was United’s top scorer in the 1994–95 season with 15 goals across all competitions.
During his loan spell at Barcelona, Rashford contributed with 28 goals and assists combined across all competitions. At his peak for United during the 2022–23 campaign, he achieved 30 goals, a significant milestone in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Squad Reinforcements and Upcoming Fixtures
Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, both part of the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, were granted an extended break before rejoining the squad. They reported to Carrington on Sunday morning and flew to Dublin with other players, including Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Other players joining the travelling group included Karl Darlow, JJ Gabriel, and Tynan Thompson. Lisandro Martinez, who was with Argentina at the World Cup, is expected to return after the team’s trip to Ireland to prepare for their Premier League opener against Hull City.
United’s pre-season schedule includes a match against Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday. The team will train in Ireland until Friday before travelling to Wroclaw for their final pre-season fixture against AC Milan next Saturday. Michael Carrick‘s side recently drew 1-1 against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg.
Rashford is expected to compete with Cunha for a left-wing position at Old Trafford this season. Hansi Flick, Barcelona‘s coach, expressed his appreciation for Rashford’s time at the club, stating he would miss him. Rashford also shared an emotional message with Barcelona fans after his loan period concluded.
Barcelona had an option to buy Rashford for a fixed fee but chose not to activate it. Instead, they signed Anthony Gordon. Rashford’s return provides more options for Carrick as United prepares for their return to the Champions League.
Source: si.com
