Manchester United grapples with Rashford squad number and Fernandes contract talks

Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United’s pre‑season training in July 2026 after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. He returns without a squad number because the iconic No. 10 shirt was handed to new signing Matheus Cunha. Reports suggest he may be allocated the No. 11 jersey, but pundents such as Gabriel Agbonlahor predict he could leave the club before the summer window closes, with Tottenham among the interested parties.

Meanwhile, captain Bruno Fernandes is nearing a new contract with United. The Portuguese midfielder has turned down lucrative offers from Saudi clubs and is demanding a substantial salary increase, reportedly around €470,000 per week. Negotiations continue, with United reportedly willing to sell him for about £64 million, a figure that has drawn interest from Galatasaray and other European clubs. The outcome of both players’ situations will shape United’s squad planning for the upcoming season.