Matheus Cunha made thoughts clear after taking Marcus Rashford's shirt number at Man Utd

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Matheus Cunha expressed how much of an honour it was to take Marcus Rashford ’s No.10 shirt after he signed for Manchester United. Cunha was signed last summer from Wolves for a fee of £62.5million.

The Brazilian forward was handed the jersey number when it was freed up following Rashford’s own move to Barcelona on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Many believed the Englishman would never return to his boyhood club, given the acrimonious nature of his departure following a falling out with then-head coach Ruben Amorim.

But Barcelona opted not to activate their £26m purchase option this summer and, with Michael Carrick now in charge instead of Amorim, Rashford is set to return to United. The 28-year-old will re-join the side’s pre-season training following his post-World Cup summer break.

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It is reported that Rashford’s representatives have had encouraging discussions with United about his pre-season return to Carrington. However, the forward will face an uncomfortable, awkward situation whereby he will no longer have his old iconic jersey, having lost his shirt number while away from Old Trafford.

Cunha, 27, will still occupy the number despite Rashford’s return. Prior to notching 10 goals and four assists in 35 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford last term, the Brazil international mentioned how he was relishing the chance to follow in the footsteps of former United players who wore the No.10 shirt, including Rashford.

He admitted it was a "privilege" to wear it and hoped it would inspire him to match the exploits of his illustrious predecessors at United. Cunha said: "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.

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"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.

"With every single number, it will be a pleasure to wear the shirt. But, yeah, with this one it’s something different. Then, of course, the responsibility comes."