BREAKING: Manchester United hands Marcus Rashford No.14 shirt and fresh start under Carrick
Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United’s first-team group after Barcelona declined to make his loan move permanent, with reports suggesting the club could give him the No.14 shirt as part of a fresh start under Michael Carrick.
Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United’s first-team setup after Barcelona opted against activating the €30 million purchase option in his loan agreement, with the England forward now travelling with Michael Carrick’s squad for pre-season preparations.
According to latest reports, Rashford is being reintegrated into United’s plans, ending a spell away from the club that began after his relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim deteriorated.
Rashford spent last season at Barcelona after previously completing a loan spell with Aston Villa, and his productive campaign in Spain had raised expectations that the Catalan club could pursue a permanent deal before ultimately deciding against exercising its option.
The forward’s return coincides with Carrick’s appointment, giving the new United boss an opportunity to assess the 28-year-old during pre-season before the club makes a final decision over his future.
Reports have also claimed United intend to give Rashford the No.14 shirt, potentially signalling a fresh beginning after his familiar No.10 was taken by Matheus Cunha. However, the shirt-number change has not yet been officially confirmed.
United are reportedly prepared to keep Rashford if a suitable offer from a major European club fails to arrive, while another loan is not considered the preferred option, leaving the forward with an opportunity to revive his Manchester United career under Carrick.
