Marcus Rashford Receives Manchester United No.9 Shirt

Marcus Rashford is staying put – and he’s getting a statement number to prove it.

Manchester United have confirmed that Rashford will wear the iconic No.9 shirt for the new season, a clear sign of renewed trust in the academy star after his year-long loan at Barcelona.

Last summer, it looked like his Old Trafford story was over. His No.10 shirt went to Matheus Cunha, Barcelona had an option to buy him for £26million, and United were ready to listen to offers. They later set a £40m asking price. No one bit.

Now he’s back, and the club have put a heavyweight number on his back.

The decision was announced ahead of United’s Premier League opener away to newly promoted Hull on Saturday. Two of the club’s brightest youngsters also received their first senior numbers: academy talents Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel will wear 31 and 77 respectively.

Michael Carrick's Perspective

For Michael Carrick, the shirt call is no sentimental gesture. It’s part of the plan.

“It’s been pretty obvious since Marcus came back training with Kobbie [Mainoo] and Licha [Lisandro Martinez] pretty much, in Dublin, that he’s come back fantastically well,” the United manager said in his pre-match press conference.

“He’s enjoying his football, he looks fit, he looks sharp, he looks strong, he looks ready to play football. So, I’ve been delighted with him since he’s come back.”

Rashford has always preferred to start from the wing, driving in from the left, but Carrick made it clear that the new No.9 won’t be tied to one role.

“Of course he can play through in the middle. He has done,” Carrick said. “I wouldn’t say it’s naturally his No.1 position, but he can do that, and I think we’ve got forwards that give us that flexibility right across the frontline, we’ve used all of them, pretty much, in slightly different roles.

“So, I think for us to have that option is really good moving through the season.”

Reflection on Rashford's Career

The shirt number brings Rashford full circle in Carrick’s eyes. Speaking to TNT Sports, the United boss reflected on the early days of the forward’s career and the weight of expectation that has followed.

“Marcus is a highly talented player. When I was playing and he came into the team, he was fresh, young and playing in the No. 9 position. He burst onto the scene and did some unbelievable things,” Carrick said.

“He has had such a good career and people judge things and always expect the best, best, best out of everyone all the time, but some of the greatest players that played alongside me here had ups and downs throughout their career.

“I remember Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) had some challenging times on the pitch during his twenties and that’s just part of the game and look at how he finished his career. That’s part of being a player, especially here when the club has enjoyed so much success and then there are times when it doesn’t come so easy.

“You have to deal with it and push on, and Marcus looks really good. He looks sharp, he’s in a really good place, and it’s been great to have him back around over the last couple of weeks.”

The message is unmistakable. Rashford’s future is at Old Trafford, the No.9 is his, and Carrick expects him to carry a major share of the attacking burden as United try to write a new chapter.