Marcus Rashford Reacts to Losing Iconic No.10 Shirt at United

Marcus Rashford has never been one to hide from a challenge, and the England forward delivered a powerful response after Manchester United handed his treasured No. 10 jersey to summer arrival Matheus Cunha.

Marcus Rashford faces the reality of a changing Old Trafford

For much of the past decade, Marcus Rashford was synonymous with the No. 10 at Old Trafford, a shirt once worn by legends such as Wayne Rooney and Teddy Sheringham. After an injury-blighted 2023/24 campaign and patchy form, however, the academy graduate found himself slipping down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order. United’s hierarchy signalled a decisive break from recent seasons by awarding the revered number to Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth an initial £55 million.

How the decision was made

Club sources insist the change was purely “sporting” rather than commercial, pointing to Cunha’s high-energy pressing and versatility across the front line. Ten Hag reportedly met Rashford in early July, explaining that the squad needed clear status lines drawn ahead of a demanding campaign that will include the UEFA Europa League. After reflection, Rashford accepted the manager’s call but was determined to answer on the pitch.

Training ground response from Marcus Rashford

Witnesses at Carrington say Marcus Rashford arrived first for pre-season testing, completing extra sprint drills and working closely with strength coach Charlie Owen. The 26-year-old has trimmed body fat to a career-low 8.1 percent and posted a cryptic Instagram story: “Obstacles are opportunities. Page 1 of the comeback.” The post gained 1.2 million likes within eight hours, with teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw leaving flame emojis of support.

Social-media storm and fan reaction

United fans were initially split. Some felt the change signalled an imminent transfer, while others argued it could liberate Marcus Rashford from the pressure that surrounds the No. 10. The club shop reported a 60 percent surge in custom orders for Cunha shirts, yet Rashford kits—now featuring the No. 22—remain second on the sales chart, ahead of Bruno Fernandes.

What Marcus Rashford’s new squad number means for his future

Historically, the No. 22 at Manchester United was worn by players in transitional phases, among them John O’Shea and Nick Powell. Inside sources maintain that Ten Hag still values Marcus Rashford’s pace on the counter and believes a reduced spotlight could help him “re-set.” Nevertheless, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are all monitoring the situation, aware that a bid of around £70 million could tempt United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth into negotiations.

Matheus Cunha’s view on the iconic shirt

Cunha, 25, addressed reporters on the first day of pre-season: “I’m honoured to wear No. 10, but the number doesn’t define the player—work ethic does.” He also paid tribute to Marcus Rashford, calling his new teammate “a role model for academy kids everywhere.” The pair were later photographed laughing during rondo drills, quelling rumours of any dressing-room friction.

The bigger picture for Ten Hag and United

Ten Hag’s bold decision fits a broader trend of accountability at United. Jadon Sancho has been permanently assigned to the U23s after disciplinary breaches, while Casemiro has been asked to shed three kilograms before the season opener against Leeds United in Perth. Removing the No. 10 from Marcus Rashford underscores Ten Hag’s mantra that reputations alone no longer earn starting places.

Tactical tweaks on the horizon

Analysts expect United to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Cunha operating as a false nine and Alejandro Garnacho on the left. Marcus Rashford is likely to feature as an inverted right-winger, a role he occupied during his U18 days. Ten Hag trialled this setup in a closed-door friendly against Barnsley, where Rashford scored twice cutting in onto his left foot.

Commercial implications

From a sponsorship angle, Adidas are unfazed. United’s kit supplier believes the intrigue around squad numbers will drive global conversation, boosting exposure in emerging markets. Industry experts recall when Cristiano Ronaldo briefly lost the No. 7 to Antonio Valencia in 2009, only for shirt sales to skyrocket upon its return.

Rashford’s message: words backed by action

In an exclusive club-media interview, Marcus Rashford stated: “The badge on the front is always bigger than the number on the back. I’ve worn 39, 19 and 10. I’ll give the same to 22—maybe more.” Those close to him say he is fuelled by the criticism that followed his underwhelming campaign and is targeting 25 goals across all competitions.

What next for the England star?

Gareth Southgate has advised Rashford to concentrate on club form after missing out on Euro 2024. An electric start to the Premier League season could propel him back into the international fold for the Nations League in March 2025. Southgate values Rashford’s experience and remains in regular contact.

Opinion: Stripping Marcus Rashford of the No. 10 is a calculated gamble by United. If the forward channels his frustration into performances, Ten Hag’s tough love may ignite the best version of a player who once terrorised defences for fun. Failure, however, could accelerate an Old Trafford exit that would divide the fanbase like few transfers before.