Manchester United kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign tomorrow, when they will face newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium. The squad is beginning to take shape ahead of the new season, with two confirmed signings set to feature - Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. 

It was also reported on Wednesday that United have struck a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Carlos Baleba for a £70 million package. The 22-year-old was a target last summer, and United have rekindled their interest 12 months on despite a poor season from the Cameroonian.

As the squad prepares for the new campaign, Michael Carrick has began to find his best eleven. Benjamin Sesko has returned to training after an injury towards the end of last season, but as he builds back up to full fitness, Bryan Mbuemo looks set to lead the line after firing during pre-season.

Marcus Rashford has also returned to the fold after his loan move to Barcelona was not made permanent. This situation is still yet to be given any real clarity, but Carrick has expressed how excited he is to have him back.

Although it could be problematic, it could also be great. Rashford could be a great option in attack for United this season if he is back to his best. His large wages could still be an issue though, especially if he is not a guaranteed starter, but the relationship with Carrick could be key.

Before Rashford left United on loan to both Aston Villa and Barcelona, he wore the number 10 shirt. However, last year, he was seemingly frozen out of Ruben Amorim's squad. The club signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves early on in the window and immediately gave him the shirt.

Since Cunha has become a star at Old Trafford, there is no chance of the shirt being passed on. Now, with Rashford coming back, the issue with his shirt number is awkward.

At Barcelona, he wore number 14. Upon his return, it was suggested that he would continue to wear the 14, as the shirt is currently free.

However, as he returned to the pitch against AC Milan in United's final pre-season match, he wore the number nine provisionally. Although it was not confirmed for the season, this raised questions, as many expected Benjamin Sesko to take on the mantle this year.

When Sesko signed last year, it was reported that he had turned down the shirt out of respect for Rasmus Hojlund, but with the Danish striker permanently signing for Napoli, it was expected that Sesko would change from 30 to 9.

Backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir recently joined Spanish side Celta Vigo on loan, being replaced by Karl Darlow. This all but seals his future as away from Manchester, and with his number 1 shirt now free, Senne Lammens has switched from his number 31 shirt to officially being United's number one. 

Many thought Sesko would follow the same pattern after a positive debut season in red. But Rashford's appearance in the last match suggested not. 

In The Athletic, Laurie Whitwell has reported that Sesko opted not to take the new shirt number.

"Rashford wore the No 9, a signifier of his regained status at the club. Sesko might have been viewed as the natural successor for that number, with Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent move to Napoli confirmed, and this was discussed, but the 23-year-old Slovenian preferred to keep his No 30, which he wore at RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg."

Clarity will come before tomorrow's match, and with Rashford set to stay, a new number is certain. Sesko will keep his number 30, meaning Rashford could wear the 9.

Whitwell also said "People close to the situation say Rashford is certain to stay past deadline day."

Rashford is set to return to the matchday squad for the first time in over 18 months and Sesko will return to the bench after injury, although he is not expected to start.