Marcus Rashford’s new shirt number is…

Marcus Rashford could be back in a Manchester United shirt this season.

Manchester United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, with the Brazilian immediately inheriting Rashford’s number 10 shirt.

At the time, it appeared to signal the end of Rashford’s Old Trafford career.

The academy graduate spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona after previously finishing the second half of the 2024/25 season at Aston Villa.

However, the picture has changed dramatically over the last few months.

Barcelona chose against activating their option to sign Rashford permanently despite the England international helping the club win both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Rashford scored 14 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions before joining up with England for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the tournament, the 28-year-old posted an emotional farewell message to Barcelona supporters, confirming his loan spell had come to an end.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is also understood to be open to reintegrating Rashford into his squad.

Carrick knows the forward better than most.

The pair played together during Rashford’s breakthrough years before Carrick later coached him and even briefly managed him during his spell as interim boss.

With positive discussions reportedly taking place behind the scenes, Rashford’s return to Carrington is edging closer.

Should he remain at Manchester United beyond the summer transfer window, though, one obvious question will need answering.

Which shirt number will Marcus Rashford wear?

Rashford has worn three primary squad numbers during his senior Manchester United career.

Louis van Gaal initially handed him number 39 before Jose Mourinho promoted him to number 19.

In 2018, he inherited the famous number 10 shirt following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure and made it his own for the next seven years.

Across his Manchester United career, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances while winning two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.

Now, with number 10 belonging to Cunha, there are several realistic alternatives available.

Number nine

If Rashford stays at Old Trafford, number nine feels like the standout option.

The shirt became vacant after Rasmus Hojlund completed his move to Napoli earlier this summer, leaving one of Manchester United’s most prestigious squad numbers available.

Rashford is no stranger to wearing it either.

He wore number nine during his loan spell at Aston Villa and also used it throughout several England youth levels before making his senior international debut in the shirt.

Although Rashford has often insisted that his preferred role is attacking from the left, he has spent long periods playing through the middle for both club and country.

Giving him number nine would also send a strong message.

Rather than simply welcoming him back into the squad, it would suggest Carrick views Rashford as a major part of Manchester United’s plans going forward.

Considering the history attached to the shirt through players such as Andy Cole, Dimitar Berbatov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it would certainly feel like a statement.

Number 14

The next most logical option is number 14.

It is the shirt Rashford wore throughout his successful season at Barcelona, where he rebuilt his confidence after a difficult end to his previous spell at Manchester United.

He lifted two trophies in Spain while producing some of his best football in recent years.

Keeping the same number would provide a sense of continuity as he begins another chapter of his career.

Number 14 also remains vacant following Christian Eriksen’s departure.

While it lacks the prestige of number nine, it would allow Rashford to carry something familiar back to Old Trafford if he does complete his Manchester United return.

Number 20

Number 20 is another realistic option.

The shirt became available after Diogo Dalot switched to number two following Victor Lindelof’s departure.

It carries strong Manchester United history, having previously been worn by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Robin van Persie.

Rashford has never worn the number before, but that could suit a player looking for a fresh start after two loan spells away from Old Trafford.

Number 21

Number 21 is also vacant following Antony’s departure.

It has been worn by players including Ander Herrera and Daniel James during their time at Manchester United.

While it is a solid first-team squad number, it lacks the status many supporters would expect Rashford to inherit if he remains at the club.

It feels like an outside option rather than the obvious choice.

Number 27

Number 27 completes the shortlist.

Most recently worn by Wout Weghorst, it is available ahead of the new season.

Although established players occasionally choose higher numbers, it would be surprising to see Rashford swap Manchester United’s famous number 10 for 27.

Of the realistic options, it appears the least likely.

Ultimately, much will depend on whether remains at Manchester United beyond the summer transfer window.

If he does, one thing appears certain: he will return wearing a different shirt number, with number nine looking like the most logical choice after his iconic number 10 was handed to Matheus Cunha.