Marcus Rashford’s future has been uncertain for quite some time now after Barcelona were unable to meet the £40 million buy clause that United set for the winger.
For now, it looks like he will be staying at Manchester United because Carrick hinted yesterday after the draw with PSG that he expects the full team at Dublin, Ireland and Rashford was seen signing autographs with fans.
Rashford was spotted along with eight other reds at Dublin including Cunha who is back from his holiday after his impressive World Cup outing with Brazil.
Also, Mattias De Ligt is back from injury and so is Benjamin Sesko who did not take part in Manchester United’s first three preseason friendlies due to fitness concerns.
Mainoo is also back with the camp and would definitely be available for selection despite not playing a single minute with the Three Lions who finished 3rd place at the World Cup.
New signings Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson are also going to be joining the squad and would be available for selections under Michael Carrick.
Rashford’s Place in the New United Squad
One big question that waits to be answered is where will Marcus Rashford lineup seeing Cunha has taken his place and jersey number.
Speculations around Manchester indicate that Zirkzee could secure a move to Juventus which will free up space for Rashford who might be deployed in the number 9 position or would act in the false 9 position – switching sides in-game with Cunha.
Needless to say, the reintegration of Rashford to the squad will make up for the LW United were looking to sign according to reports before the season ended.
Rashford had that position locked in for several seasons and it would be a plus for Carrick to have a player of his calibre beefing up competition for space in that left wing or acting as squad depth for the team.
Manchester United are back in the Champions League which means more fixtures and nothing better than to have quality players in every position so players get adequate rest and stay fresh through the season.
What Quality Rashford Brings to Michael Carrick’s Game Plan
Rashford can play on both wings as we have seen him do many times for Manchester United. Unlike Amad Diallo, he is capable of playing on the left and on the right which means more fluidity in United’s attack.
Also, Rashford can both act as a number 9 or a false 9 which is something we have seen frequently with Carrick when Sesko isn’t playing or fit to play.
The false number 9 role was deployed in majority of United wins especially over Arsenal, Liverpool at Anfield, and City after Carrick took over. Mbeumo and Cunha often switched between playing in the number 9 position and on their individual wings as the game progressed.
Rashford understands a thing or two about doing this and with United looking like a team ready to hurt teams on the counter, the Englishman’s pace comes in handy.
At Barcelona, Rashford played 32 matches scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists in La Liga. In the Champions League, he played 11 matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. That equals 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
This kind of contribution is what can be expected from Rashford as he gets back with Carrick’s team.
What Jersey Number will Rashford Wear?
Rashford isn’t going to get his original number 10 jersey from Matheus Cunha. If Zirkzee eventually makes the move to Juventus which is very unlikely, then Rashford could get his shirt number.
Already, there are reports that Rashford will be taking up jersey number 14. The number has been left vacant since Christian Eriksen left Manchester United two seasons ago.
When he broke out of the academy, Marcus Rashford adorned the number 39 but that has been taken up by fellow academy graduate, Tyler Fletcher. His next number was 19 but that is Bryan Mbeumo’s number and his revered number 10 belongs to Cunha.
The number 14 was what Rashford wore at Barcelona and he will be looking to continue with that number now that he’s returned to Manchester.