Why Marcus Rashford wearing No. 9 kit for Manchester United vs AC Milan in pre-season friendly?
(Courtesy : Getty)
The England international is back at Old Trafford!
As the lineups were announced for Manchester United‘s final pre-season friendly before the new 2026-27 season, against AC Milan, fans were surprised to see one particular name on the team sheet. That name was Marcus Rashford.
Rashford spent last season on loan at FC Barcelona, winning the league title and finding back his form. But Barcelona’s option-to-buy clause for Marcus Rashford was set at €30 million (£26m) and required activation by a deadline of June 15, 2026.
Barcelona ultimately chose not to trigger the clause due to financial considerations, and the option expired, sending Rashford back to Manchester United.
Rashford’s new kit number at Man United?
Fans were quick to note that Rashford was wearing the No. 9 kit in the match. Rashford’s No. 10 jersey was given to Matheus Cunha during last season’s summer transfer window. So Rashford naturally needs a new kit number at Old Trafford.
Reposts earlier last week suggested that Rashford would wear the no. 14 kit in the new season. But kit numbers used during pre-season can be changed ahead of the new Premier League season.
United have confirmed that “Squad numbers worn in pre-season are provisional and yet to be finalised.”
More to follow.
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Hardik is a journalist and Senior Assistant Editor at Khel Now. A graduate of Maharaja Agrasen College, Delhi University, he brings a versatile skill set to the table with experience in writing, editing, and on-camera work. A passionate follower of Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, and CM Punk. He combines his love for sports with sharp editorial insight.