Softfootball understands that Manchester United have assigned Marcus Rashford the No. 14 shirt as the club increasingly prepares to reintegrate the forward into the first team for the 2026-27 season.
Rashford returned to Manchester United’s Carrington training ground after a productive 2025-26 loan spell at Barcelona, where he also wore the No. 14 shirt. The England international is now travelling with the squad for pre-season under new head coach Michael Carrick.
The decision to give Rashford the No. 14 shirt represents another indication that Manchester United are increasingly open to keeping the 28-year-old at Old Trafford rather than actively seeking his departure.
His previous No. 10 shirt has been taken by new signing Matheus Cunha, leaving Rashford with the number he successfully wore during his spell in Spain.
United’s current position is understood to be that Rashford will remain at the club unless a major offer arrives from a top European side. The forward remains under contract until 2028, giving Manchester United a strong negotiating position should significant interest emerge.
The decision to hand him the No. 14 shirt, combined with his inclusion in the travelling squad, sends a clear message that Manchester United are prepared to give Rashford another opportunity to establish himself at Old Trafford.
Unless a major European offer changes the situation, Rashford is increasingly expected to begin the new campaign as part of Carrick’s Manchester United squad.
