Manchester United Signals Rashford’s Departure as Cunha Takes the No. 10 Shirt

Manchester United has put an end to any lingering speculation regarding Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford. The club’s decision to hand the iconic No. 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha is a clear sign that Rashford’s chapter at United is closing. Alongside Rashford, several other players have been told they are free to find new clubs, marking a summer of significant change for the Red Devils.

Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, had expressed a desire to try his luck abroad, with Barcelona cited as his preferred destination.

Although a move to the Catalan giants appeared unlikely earlier in the transfer window—due to Barça focusing on Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams—the situation may have shifted. Williams recently committed his future to Bilbao, potentially reopening the door for Rashford to head to La Liga. However, Barcelona’s financial struggles remain a factor, meaning a loan deal for Rashford could be the most viable option.

United has made it clear that Rashford is no longer in their immediate plans. He has been excused from returning to pre-season testing, signaling that the club expects him to finalize his next move before the new campaign begins. While the club’s medical and rehab facilities remain available to him, Rashford’s future now appears to lie far from Manchester.

Rashford is not the only big name heading for the exit. Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia have all been told they are free to explore new opportunities. The club has allowed these players to delay their return to Carrington, giving them additional time to sort out their futures.

Sancho, who had a turbulent loan spell at Chelsea, is now eyeing a move to Juventus. Chelsea reportedly paid a £5 million penalty to avoid making his loan permanent, leaving Sancho searching for stability elsewhere. Talks with the Serie A giants have reportedly advanced, though the details of a potential deal are still being ironed out.

Garnacho’s departure is particularly surprising given his importance to the squad last season. However, his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim reportedly soured after the Europa League final defeat to Spurs, where Garnacho was benched. Post-match frustrations apparently sealed his fate, with Amorim giving the green light for his exit.

Antony, who rediscovered his form while on loan at Real Betis, is another player likely to move on. Betis would like to keep him but are negotiating over the transfer fee. If a permanent deal can’t be agreed, Sevilla could step in with a season-long loan and an obligation to buy next summer—an arrangement that would help United recoup some of the £30 million they hope to recover for the Brazilian winger.

Meanwhile, Malacia, after an injury-hit loan at PSV Eindhoven, has no future in Manchester. PSV declined to activate their £8.3 million purchase option, leaving the Dutch left-back searching for a new home.