Marcus Rashford has yet to be allocated a new Manchester United squad number as he prepares to head back to Old Trafford.
Rashford will return for United’s pre-season off the back of three weeks off following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford looks on while playing for Manchester United
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Rashford has not played for United since December 2024Credit: Getty
It had been hoped that he would be joining a new club this summer, but as it stands he will re-join Michael Carrick’s squad.
Barcelona opted not to activate their £26m buy clause and signed Anthony Gordon for £70m.
Meanwhile, a £40m release clause for other clubs, except Liverpool and Manchester City, has expired.
His £325,000-per-week wages are seemingly prohibitive in terms of a permanent exit.
To make matters worse, the Red Devils have long since given away his shirt number.
Rashford held the No.10 since the beginning of the 2018/19 season - but it now belongs to Matheus Cunha.
The 28-year-old has also previously had the No.19, which now belongs to Bryan Mbeumo, and No.39, which is Tyler Fletcher’s.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Devils YouTube show, chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “I think he'll start pre-season at Manchester United. He might even start the season at Manchester United.
“But I still think the chances of him being fully reintegrated into the first team squad are pretty slender.
“He's got no love for the hierarchy, blames them as much as the previous manager for his exit from Old Trafford. So there's animosity there.
Man United and Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford
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Rashford scored 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games for Barcelona last seasonCredit: Getty
“I’m not sure Michael Carrick is desperate to bring him back into the dressing room. United certainly aren't desperate to get his £325,000 wages back on the books. So the ideal scenario for all concerned is that he leaves.
“But the question is where? Barcelona have gone for Anthony Gordon. Could they come in with a loan deal late in the window? Potentially, but United don't really want to do another loan.
“Fenerbahce have been mentioned to me, but I don’t think Rashford is keen to move to the Turkish league.
“I keep coming back to Tottenham a little bit. Maybe that might be a deal that they could do late in the window.
“He's not got a squad number - people forget that. Matheus Cunha’s got his shirt. It's a really awkward situation for all concerned.”
Man United fan verdict
United fans have always had a close relationship with Rashford, being a local lad who rose through the ranks and burst onto the scene.
Manchester United's Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring a goal
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Cunha took the No.10 shirt when he joined Man United from WolvesCredit: Getty
He has played more than 400 games for the club, winning two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.
United fan Ryon Scott-Douglas told Inside Devils: “I have an affinity towards Marcus Rashford. I do want the best for him, but in answer to your question about whether he's going to stay at Manchester United, I don't think so. I actually think this is quite harmful.
“If he starts the season for Manchester United, that ship has sailed. That ship has sailed. I don't think Manchester United need him. I feel like he would have parted ways with Manchester United mentally already.
“So it cannot be a good thing. I'm speaking about half of him and I shouldn't. But in my opinion, it couldn't be a good thing if he's reintegrated into the squad right now.
“I think he was already playing in Barcelona. His ambition was to stay in Barcelona, no doubt about it. The ship has sailed for Marcus Rashford and Manchester United.
“I understand Manchester United fans are going to want to see this story and we love a bit of nostalgia. We love returning players. We absolutely love it. But not this one.
“I feel quite passionately about the Marcus Rashford and Manchester United story. We had some amazing memories with him and we did amazing things for him and he did amazing things for us.
“But the next chapter doesn't and shouldn't involve Manchester United.”
Man United pre-season on MUTV
Fans can watch Michael Carrick prepare for the new season and how the squad is shaping up across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.
MUTV is the home of all Manchester United pre-season fixtures. It’s the opportunity to watch new faces, young players, returning names, tactical clues and the first signs of what United might become over the next season.
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