What Matheus Cunha Said About Marcus Rashford Amid Man Utd Return

It felt like Marcus Rashford's career at his boyhood club was over when he departed on a season-long loan to Barcelona at the beginning of 2025/26.

Following a half-season loan at Aston Villa, the Manchester United academy graduate moved to Spain, and it looked certain that he would not return to play at Old Trafford.

However, now that any permanent move to Barcelona is off the cards, it feels more likely that Rashford will make a stunning return.

Rúben Amorim being replaced by Michael Carrick in the dugout is another contributing factor.

The Portuguese head coach seemed to push Rashford out while Carrick played alongside the winger and was also part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching staff during Rashford's most productive period of his career.

Should the 28-year-old return for the upcoming campaign, he will be challenging the likes of Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu for a position on the left side of attack.

Cunha, 27, joined the Reds last summer in a £62 million deal from Wolves and immediately became a fan-favourite.

After taking the No.10 shirt from Rashford, the Brazilian scored 10 goals and registered two assists in the Premier League, but also offered other important traits that helped United secure a third-place finish.

When he joined the club, Cunha explained how he swapped shirts with Rashford when he was at Wolves and namedropped the Englishman when speaking about those who wore the No.10 shirt before him.

"I came here [to the Premier League] after Rashford scored many goals, I remember I asked him to change shirts," he told club media.

Speaking further, Cunha added: "I can mention many players that used this shirt. It's so easy for me. Of course, I think the one that I always think about when I see this number in this shirt for me was Wayne Rooney. He was someone that I grew up to watch him play and I have watched many games now.

"Then I swapped shirts with Marcus after a game. I have his shirt in my home. But, of course, we know many players used this shirt – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It's the dream not only to use the shirt, but with all the history they have around the number, it's something beautiful that I have the privilege to do it."

It is extremely unlikely that Cunha will change shirt numbers if Rashford returns to the team, and the academy graduate will have to choose another number to don.

However, it seems clear that the Brazilian has a lot of respect for Rashford and they could even end up playing together next season.

Despite both primarily being left-sided attackers, Cunha and Rashford have both previously played through the middle as a centre-forward. Cunha played there often for United last season.

They are different kinds of players and Carrick would likely use them in different situations, but they could also link up in moments and it will be interesting to see how that works.