Manchester United’s squad numbers for the new season have been officially released and there are a few surprises.
The main surprise from the announcement, which can be found on the club’s website is that Rasmus Hojlund does not have a squad number. As well as this, squad numbers 1, 3, 4 and 5, once Harry Maguire’s exit is confirmed, are still available ahead of the new season which kicks off this weekend.
After signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan, the former Ajax goalkeeper has been given the number 24 shirt. According to the Daily Mail, he likes the number 24 shirt because it is his birthday on the second of April (2/4).
United have had a goalkeeper that has worn the number-one shirt for over 30 years, so this season will certainly be a strange one.
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Defensive numbers available
The numbers 3, 4 and 5 will be available once Maguire completes his move to West Ham. Luke Shaw currently owns number 23, so won’t be taking it, Lisandro Martinez wears 6 and Diogo Dalot wears 20.
Raphael Varane may well take the number 5 shirt once Maguire departs the club, as it was his shirt for the majority of his time at Real Madrid.
Phil Jones’ departure also means that the number 4 is available, this could be filled by any new signings that United make, whether it’s Jean Clair-Todibo from OGC Nice or Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.
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Garnacho squad number
Another interesting nugget of information from United’s official site is the squad number that has been allocated to Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine winger broke through at United last season and has been wearing the number 49 jersey, but that could be about to change.
The United website states that the number given to the 19-year-old is subject to change based on what squad numbers are vacant at the end of the transfer window.
The number 11 shirt is available, which was previously owned by Mason Greenwood, but that could be taken if the Englishman is allowed to come back into the United fold.
Hojlund squad number
Another surprising aspect of United’s announcement is that the Danish forward is still yet to have a squad number allocated to him.
He could well be waiting for the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fred. The 30-year-old, who has been linked with Fenerbahce, wore the number 17 shirt for the United last term, which is what number Hojlund wore for Atalanta.
The 20-year-old may well be waiting for clarity on Fred’s future before deciding his squad number.