Manchester United have confirmed the shirt number that will be worn by new signing Karl Darlow.
The second signing of the summer was confirmed on Tuesday when Karl Darlow’s move was finalised.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper signed as a free agent after leaving Leeds United at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox explained the Darlow deal and made it clear that the Wales international will be a key addition to the dressing room. His shirt number confirms that role in Michael Carrick’s squad.
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Karl Darlow’s Manchester United shirt number
United posted on X that Darlow will wear the No.12 shirt.
Darlow has previously worn the shirt number at Hull City and Nottingham Forest. He hasn’t worn the traditional goalkeeper’s No.1 shirt since he was at Forest in 2014/15.
By joining United, Darlow is accepting a secondary role behind starter Senne Lammens.
The No.12 shirt was previously worn by Tyrell Malacia, Chris Smalling, Ben Foster, David Bellion and Phil Neville.
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Darlow’s shirt number suggests he is going to be the second-choice goalkeeper in 2025/26.
Altay Bayindir is expected to leave this summer to pursue more minutes elsewhere. He currently wears the No.1 shirt, which could be handed to Lammens.
Radek Vitek returned to United this summer after an exceptional Bristol City loan, but it seems he is also likely to depart.
Vitek could be loaned out or even sold permanently this summer as he wants to play regularly and continue his development.
Darlow’s arrival confirms that Vitek is likely to leave, with Tom Heaton extending his deal as a third-choice in the first-team squad.
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