Marcus Rashford is back in Manchester United's picture, but the story is still being driven by small, practical details rather than any finished decision. Matheus Cunha has been handed Rashford’s No. 10 shirt after joining from Wolves for £62.5million, and Fabrizio Romano has reported that Rashford is set for No. 14, the number left vacant after Christian Eriksen departed at the end of 2024-25.

Rashford has not played a competitive fixture for United since the Europa League meeting with Viktoria Plzen in December 2024. Michael Carrick has also made it clear that Rashford is in the group for the club’s trip to Dublin, saying: "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."

The number change and the return to the squad

Carrick was even more direct on his connection with Rashford: "I've played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history."

That is the clearest reason this no longer feels like a pure exit story. Rashford’s old shirt has gone to Cunha, his old slot is no longer open, and the reported No. 14 gives United a simple route if they do want him folded back into the squad. It also matters that this is happening while he has been away from competitive action for a long stretch, which makes the next step less about noise and more about how United want to use him.

The sale case still has support

The opposing view has not gone away. Former United coach Rene Meulensteen said: "Selling Marcus Rashford to a direct competitor like Arsenal or Chelsea could really hurt you. He is still a player who can make a difference. Ideally, if United sell him, they should sell him abroad."

Meulensteen also drew a comparison with Scott McTominay and suggested supporters may look back on a sale too early if Rashford leaves in the same way. That argument sits alongside the squad-return talk rather than replacing it. United are not being asked to choose between a player with no value and one with value, because Rashford’s recent numbers still give him a case for minutes if he stays.

Rashford has made 6 appearances in 2026 and has 2 direct goal contributions. His average rating is 6.65, and he has hit 7.5 in his recent sample. Those are not superstar numbers, but they are enough to back the idea that he can still help if United decide his future is inside the squad rather than on the market.

The left side is also not a settled problem. United still need a specialist there, with Cunha and Patrick Dorgu the main options in 2025-26, which leaves the door open for Rashford if the club want a more natural wide threat. For now, the shirt change is the clearest sign that this is a live squad decision, not a finished exit.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →