Marcus Rashford handed new Manchester United shirt number after Carrington return

Marcus Rashford has been given a fresh start at Manchester United after being handed a new squad number following his return to Carrington.

The England international has been allocated the No.14 shirt, replacing the No.10 jersey he previously wore before leaving on loan, in a move that signals Michael Carrick's intention to reintegrate him into the first-team squad.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United's decision to hand Rashford the No.14 shirt is intended as a show of confidence after his return from Spain.

The No.10 shirt is now occupied by summer signing Matheus Cunha, prompting Rashford's switch ahead of the new season.

Romano reported: "Manchester United decide to give Marcus Rashford new squad number as message to trust him and include as part of the team. Rashford will wear number 14 shirt and is now travelling with the team. Unless a top European club bid arrives, he can stay."

The 28-year-old has joined Carrick's squad for their pre-season training camp in Dublin as preparations continue for the Premier League campaign.

Rashford had hoped to remain at Barcelona after enjoying an impressive loan spell in Spain.

The forward registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances, helping the Catalan club win both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, Barcelona ultimately prioritised moves for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi instead, bringing Rashford's time in Spain to an end.

Before that spell, he also impressed during a loan at Aston Villa, contributing four goals and six assists in 17 appearances.

Rashford's reintegration represents a significant turnaround after previously falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim.

Carrick has already confirmed the forward will be part of the squad travelling to Ireland.

"We have a full squad next week in Dublin. We fly straight there and meet Leeds on Wednesday. We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]."

With his contract running until 2028, Rashford now has the opportunity to fight for his place and revive his Manchester United career.

Rashford is expected to feature during Manchester United's pre-season fixtures, beginning with the clash against Leeds United in Dublin. Strong performances could help him re-establish himself in Carrick's plans ahead of the new Premier League season, although his long-term future may still depend on whether any major European clubs make a late move before the transfer window closes.