Rashford is almost 100% certain to stay at Manchester United, with Barcelona no longer considering a loan. He has two options for his new shirt number.

Many Manchester United supporters are unhappy to see this happening, but it is becoming true: Rashford, aged 28, will rejoin Carrick's squad for the upcoming season. Barcelona, the club he aspired to play for, has lost all interest in him, and any late loan move in the summer transfer window is now off the table.

After signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for €80 million before the World Cup, Barcelona officially announced this week the €31 million acquisition of Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi. The 24-year-old can play as a winger or center-forward, and with both him and Gordon, there is no place for Rashford.

Adeyemi scored 36 goals and provided 25 assists in 146 appearances for Dortmund, earning him the nickname "the Bundesliga Rashford." He has also been criticized for inconsistency, never scoring more than 7 goals in a single season across his four years in the German league.

Barcelona's signing of Adeyemi could be a devastating blow for Rashford. After scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists last season, Rashford had hoped Barcelona would exercise his buy option, but the La Liga champions refused to activate the €30 million permanent transfer clause, preferring that United lower the price or extend the loan.

Spanish media report that Barcelona was dissatisfied with Rashford's defensive ability and awareness, with Gordon considered superior in this area and also three years younger. During the World Cup group stage, the Spanish press questioned Barcelona's choice because Gordon was underperforming. However, after the knockout rounds, Gordon won over the media of his new club, with *Sport* praising him as England's best performer aside from Jude Bellingham.

Gordon provided two assists against Congo, won a penalty against Mexico, another assist against Norway, and scored a goal in the semi-final against Argentina, completely outshining Rashford. *Sport* commented: "Gordon's speed, ability to disrupt defenses, and talent for stepping up in crucial moments make him one of the biggest surprises of this World Cup. His performances prove that Barcelona's decision to sign him instead of Rashford was wise. He is one of the hottest wingers in Europe."

As for Rashford, his future seems to hold no mystery. Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe hoped to remove his £325,000 weekly wage from the payroll, that now appears impossible. He will return to the team for preseason after the three-week World Cup break.

Although Rashford was linked with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal during the summer window, the actual chances of these clubs signing him are very low. Rashford refused to join any other Premier League team, and British media also say United is unwilling to sell him to English rivals. Therefore, it is almost 100% certain that Rashford will stay at Manchester United.

According to the *Daily Mirror*, the first problem Manchester United faces is Rashford's shirt number. The club never expected him to return, so his No.10 shirt has already been given to last year's new signing Cunha, and it cannot be taken back. Currently, Rashford is the only first-team player without a number. Even Andre Onana, who has been loaned to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, still retains the No.24 jersey.

Now, Rashford may choose between the No.14 and No.9 for his shirt number at United. He wore the No.9 when on loan at Aston Villa and the No.14 during his time at Barcelona. There were earlier rumors that United planned to give the No.9 to Sesko, but it was never officially announced, and Sesko's number on the club website remains No.30. Rashford's other two former United numbers are also taken: No.19 belongs to last year's signing Mbeumo, and No.39 is worn by Taylor Fletcher, one of the twin sons of club legend Darren Fletcher.