Manchester United have confirmed that new signing Matheus Cunha will wear the club’s iconic number 10 shirt for the upcoming season, replacing Marcus Rashford.
Cunha joins from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth 62.5 million pounds, and will now inherit the number he wore at Molineux. The Brazilian forward becomes the latest player to don the shirt once associated with club legends such as Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Rashford, who had held the number 10 since 2018, has not featured for United since December and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. United have since asked the 27-year-old England international to delay his return to preseason training while he explores options for a move away from Old Trafford.
Sources indicate United are open to loan deals for Rashford as long as interested clubs agree to cover a significant portion of his wages. He remains under contract until 2028, but United have yet to receive any formal bids for the forward. Aston Villa declined the opportunity to make his loan permanent for 40 million pounds.
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Rashford’s situation, especially after missing out on Nico Williams, who signed a new long-term deal with Athletic Club. Bayern Munich, who were previously interested in Williams, are also in the market for a winger and could enter the frame.
Rashford’s preference, according to sources, is to secure a move abroad and return to Champions League football.
Meanwhile, several other United players – including Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia – have requested extended time off during preseason to explore potential transfers. All are expected to rejoin the squad later this month if no moves are completed.
New manager Ruben Amorim will take his reshaped squad to the United States for a three-match preseason tour, starting July 22 in Chicago.
The transfer activity signals a major shift at Old Trafford as the club continues to reshape its squad under new sporting leadership and seeks to return to contention both domestically and in Europe.