Marcus Rashford inherits number 10 shirt at Manchester United

After an incredible outing with the national team in Russia, Marcus Rashford has cut short his post-World Cup holiday to slot in Manchester United's preparations for the upcoming season.

Rashford broke into the scene two seasons ago, following his superb debut where he came of the bench to score the winner against Arsenal. Given the striker's contribution over the years, the young England international has been handed the coveted number 10 shirt at Manchester United. 

The 20 year-old wore the number 19 last season and takes over the jersey from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined LA Galaxy in March. Wayne Rooney previously wore the shirt for 10 years. Explaining the reason behind handing the talismanic striker the coveted shirt, Jose Mourinho told MUTV: 

“He wanted it"

“He always wanted it. Of course, he respected the big Rooney and then Zlatan wanted to have it. Of course, he was in the shadow, waiting for the opportunity and now the shirt is empty. 

“It's something fantastic for the kid, let's give the shirt to him.”

READ: Toni Kroos Named German Footballer Of The Year

Marcus Rashford featured in his new number 10 shirt for the first time, as the Red Devils went down to Bayern Munich in a ICC pre-season encounter. Inheriting the number ten jersey at a club like Man United means Rashford has some very big shoes to fill, and his tweet shows he's aware of the honour.

Previous Man Utd tens range from Mark Hughes and Teddy Sheringham to Ruud van Nistelrooy and the club's all-time top scorer Rooney. Rashford, who has has scored 32 goals in 123 games for United and will be hoping that becoming the new number ten can take his club career to the next level.

However, the US tour and pre-season for the Red Devils has been abysmal. Mourinho's United played a total of six matches, wherein they won just once in regulation time. It also included a thrashing at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

After the match, Mourinho yet again complained of not getting the players he needed. The Portuguese told media that he has informed United's CEO about his wishlist in the transfer market.

But whatsoever he says regarding the signings and transfers, there is no denying that the present Manchester United team look completely lost, at least from their performance in the pre-season tour.