Man United make last-minute Marcus Rashford announcement after programme confusion

Marcus Rashford was given Man United’s No.9 shirt after being listed without a squad number on the matchday programme for the trip to Hull.

The Red Devils kick off their Premier League campaign at the MKM Stadium on Saturday lunchtime – live on talkSPORT – buoyed by the return of the forward following his season-long loan at Barcelona.

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Rashford, who was named on the bench for the clash at Hull, was handed the No.9 shirt for last Saturday’s pre-season defeat to AC Milan, although United insisted the squad numbers were not yet finalised.

Just two hours before their season begins, the club finally announced its official list of squad numbers for the upcoming campaign, confirming that Rashford will don the No.9 shirt this season.

The 28-year-old previously wore the No.10 shirt at Old Trafford prior to his loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona but the number was taken by Matheus Cunha upon his arrival last summer.

Rashford was expected to be handed the No.14 shirt – the number he wore last season at Barcelona.

But bizarrely, the England international was the only Manchester United player listed without a number on the match programme’s squad list.

The mishap appears to show that the final say on Rashford’s shirt number was a late decision that was taken after the programme went to print.

Will Rashford be staying at Old Trafford after transfer deadline day?

Rashford’s new shirt number could be viewed as a hint that the forward will not be leaving Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

His No.9 shirt, vacated by Rasmus Hojlund last summer, could signify that the forward is set to play a prominent role this season under boss Michael Carrick.

It comes after Barcelona opted against the terms of a permanent deal this summer, instead electing to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.

Carrick paid a glowing tribute to the star’s output since his return to the club.

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“He’s come back really well. Very well,” the Manchester United boss said.

“I think the way it is now and not having so much time off really, and looking at three weeks, maybe just under three weeks, give or take.

“Boys don’t lose an awful lot in that time. It’s certainly the case of managing it, coming back in though and being sensible, knowing it’s a whole season for all the players to deal with.

“So in terms of the team this week going into next week as well, getting that balance right with all the group.

“But Marcus has come back particularly bright, particularly sharp, as I’ve said, and looks really good.”