Marcus Rashford handed new Manchester United squad number, Fabrizio Romano reports

Marcus Rashford has been assigned a new squad number at Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano reported on 2026-08-09, as the forward returns to the club for pre-season. Romano said the change signals United view him as part of the squad unless a major European club lodges a substantial offer.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona and has previously featured for Aston Villa in the Premier League. The England international had fallen out of favour at Old Trafford before returning for pre-season, and there is currently no certainty over a summer exit. United have been open to selling him but have also shown renewed willingness to reintegrate him if a transfer does not materialise. High wages are cited as a factor that could complicate any attempt to move him on this window.

Romano reported the squad-number decision as a message of trust and inclusion from the club and said Rashford is likely to take the number 14 shirt. Romano wrote: "🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United decide to give Marcus Rashford new squad number as message to trust him and include as part of the team.Understand Rashford will wear number 14 shirt and now travelling with the team 1️⃣4️⃣Unless top European club bid arrives, he can stay. pic.twitter.com/r5tQAu5PiD"

Sources in the report noted United may find it difficult to offload Rashford this summer because of his salary, making reintegration under a new manager a more feasible route if a satisfactory offer is not received. The article says reintegrating him under a new manager could be pursued should transfer interest fail to meet the club's valuation or expectations.

The forward's loan departure followed a spell in which, the report states, he did not show his best form under Ruben Amorim. The piece raises the question of whether Michael Carrick can get the best from Rashford and states there is a good probability the pair will work well together in the coming season. The report adds Rashford is expected to feature in Manchester United's game against AC Milan.

Unless a top European club lodges a significant bid, the club intends for Rashford to remain in the squad wearing the number 14 shirt and to participate in pre-season fixtures, including the game against AC Milan.