Top News

Significant changes have taken place at Manchester United since Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan at the beginning of this campaign. Should the England forward return to his parent club, however, an uncomfortable situation could be waiting for him.

With approximately four months remaining on Rashford's stint at the Camp Nou, speculation is mounting about his destination for next season. If he does make his way back to Old Trafford, a discussion with those responsible for squad number allocation might be a priority. Summer signing Matheus Cunha has been given the No. 10 shirt that Rashford wore for seven consecutive seasons before his loan move. The Brazilian has shown a particular attachment to that number throughout his career. The 26-year-old donned the No. 10 at Wolves following Daniel Podence's exit and also selected the iconic number during his stint at Hertha Berlin, where he enjoyed his most productive period outside the Premier League.

Rashford, 28, had no prospect of securing Barcelona's No. 10 upon his arrival last summer. This was not merely because of his potentially brief stay in Catalonia, but primarily because the number is already occupied by Lamine Yamal.

Therefore, the Englishman faced an uphill battle in attempting to shift the player many consider the most prized prospect in the world from his favoured position. However, circumstances differ considerably at Old Trafford.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activateor add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Interim United manager Michael Carrick has supposedly communicated his desire to the club's hierarchy to offer Rashford a second opportunity. With 10 goals and 13 assists across 34 appearances for Barcelona, the forward has shown enough promise to warrant another chance in Carrick's view.

The Red Devils find themselves in a position where they cannot afford to dismiss talent that still offers genuine value to the team. While previous disagreements existed between Rashford and Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim, there's no reason for such friction to continue under fresh leadership.

A lot will depend on whether Carrick secures the United position permanently. The Champions Leaguewinner remains unbeaten across five matches at the helm of his former side, though more evidence is required before the club commits to a long-term appointment.

Ex-colleague Ole Gunnar Solskjaer found himself in comparable circumstances when he took charge in late 2018. He secured 14 victories from his opening 19 fixtures to earn the permanent gig, an accomplishment Carrick now hopes to replicate.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Rashford's success at the Camp Nou hasn't been hindered by his unfamiliar shirt number. Should he return to United, the No. 14 jersey he has flourished in at Barcelona is currently unoccupied at Old Trafford.

However, Rashford may desire to reclaim his old number as a show of authority in the event he does come back. This could potentially cause friction with Cunha, who has been performing exceptionally well since donning the iconic jersey previously worn by club legends such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Roy Keane.