Marcus Rashford faces an awkward showdown with one team-mate in particular at Old Trafford if he does return to Manchester United
Barcelona's Marcus Rashford reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is set for some awkward conversations if he returns to Manchester United this summer(Image: AP)
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Much has changed at Manchester United since Marcus Rashford left on loan for Barcelona at the start of this season. And it could set the stage for an awkward encounter in the event the England international does return to his parent club.
With only four months or so left on Rashford's loan deal at the Camp Nou, rumours are rampant regarding where he'll end up playing next term. And in the event he does make an Old Trafford comeback, a chat with those who decide the shirt numbers at Old Trafford might be high on the agenda.
That's after summer signing Matheus Cunha was handed the No. 10 jersey worn by Rashford for seven straight seasons prior to his temporary departure. Not to mention Cunha has proved to be quite fond of that particular digit over the years.
Cunha, 26, wore the No. 10 at Wolves after it was eventually vacated by Daniel Podence. He also picked the famed striker calling card during his time at Hertha Berlin, the most prolific spell of his career outside England's top flight.
Rashford, 28, had little chance of being appointed Barca's No. 10 after joining last summer. Not only due to the fact he may only be in Catalonia for a single year, but mainly because it already belongs to Lamine Yamal.
Thus, the Englishman had a futile fight on his hands if he hoped to budge arguably the most valuable talent in world football from his preferred perch. But the same doesn't apply back at the Theatre of Dreams.
Interim United boss Michael Carrick has reportedly made it clear to the decision-makers in Manchester that he wants to give Rashford another chance. The forward has produced 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 games for Barca, proof enough for Carrick that he deserves another shot.
The Red Devils aren't at a point in their history when they can afford to pass on talent that still holds value to the squad. And despite his previous fallouts with Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim, the same tensions need not apply under the new regime.
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Much will depend on whether or not Carrick receives the United reins on a permanent basis. The Champions League-winner remains undefeated in five games in charge of his old club, yet more time is needed before the club will appoint him long term.
Former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at United's helm in similar circumstances in late 2018. However, he won 14 of his first 19 games in charge to earn a long-term appointment, with Carrick now hoping to mimic (or better) that achievement.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium
Matheus Cunha has looked very lively in the No. 10 shirt for United(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Rashford hasn't allowed a less familiar shirt number to get in the way of his success at the Camp Nou. In the event he does return to United, the No. 14 in which he's thrived at Barcelona remains vacant back at Old Trafford.
Still, there may be a part of Rashford that wishes to stamp some authority by requesting his old number. However, Cunha may not be so willing himself given he has looked mightily impressive since taking up the jersey worn by club icons like Sir Bobby Charlton, Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Roy Keane in the past.