Marcus Rashford is back at Manchester United after an 18-month spell away, but the forward has already made an important move regarding his place in the squad. The 28-year-old has reportedly chosen not to ask for the return of his famous No. 10 shirt as he attempts to settle back into the side under Michael Carrick.

A respectful approach to squad numbers

Rashford is not expected to push for the No. 10 shirt at Manchester United out of respect for Matheus Cunha, according to The Sun. After spending 18 months away on loan with Aston Villa and Barcelona, the England international is likely to take the now-vacant No. 14 shirt at Old Trafford - the same number he wore during his spell in Spain.

A graduate of Manchester United's renowned academy, Rashford made his senior debut for the club in 2016. After several years as a key figure at Old Trafford, he made the first loan move of his career to Aston Villa in February 2025, before then spending the whole of the following season on loan at Barcelona.

Back in the fold under Carrick

Rashford made his first appearance for Manchester United since December 2024 when he came on in the 60th minute of last Saturday's 4-2 pre-season loss to AC Milan in Poland. That brief outing denied him the chance to make a point against new Milan manager Ruben Amorim, the man who had earlier frozen him out of the Red Devils squad. Rashford wore the No. 9 shirt in that match, although it is understood that this will not be his official squad number for the coming season.

Carrick has confirmed that Rashford will be involved with the first-team squad this season. However, the manager also made it clear that the attacker - who has previously won two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, the UEFA Europa League and the FA Community Shield with United - must rebuild trust with both the coaching staff and the fans if he wants to win back a regular place in the starting line-up.

Rooney delivers blunt advice

Manchester United great Wayne Rooney recently addressed the matter while appearing on the new show Stick to United, giving a frank view of Rashford's comeback. "It’s such a strange one with Marcus because we know he’s got the ability, he’s shown that," Rooney said. "For me, has he got the hunger? Does he want to play for Man Utd? If he wants to play for Man Utd, the first thing he has to do… I’ve been there in 2010 when I asked to leave the football club, there’s a stage where you have to rebuild."

The club's all-time top scorer stressed that getting his standing back will require more than just talent. "You have to build a relationship with the fans, and the easiest way to do that is through hard work and positive body language," Rooney added, highlighting the heavy spotlight on Rashford before what could be a defining season.

The road to redemption

Passing up the No. 10 shirt may seem like a small gesture, but it points to a fresh maturity from a player who was once seen as the face of the club's future. After an impressive loan spell at Barcelona - where he registered 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions and helped the club win the La Liga title - Rashford is showing that he is ready to earn his place all over again. With Manchester United set to begin their Premier League campaign away to Hull City on August 22, the forward appears determined to let his performances on the pitch speak for him.