Squad numbers available to incoming Manchester United signings amid Mata uncertainty

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Manchester United will make new signings this summer. We hope. It’s early days yet and while talks have been fruitless so far, eventually there will be incomings.

One of the first questions supporters have when a new signing is made, is over what squad number the new arrival will take.

Juan Mata’s decision over his future will have a big bearing on this.

Mata’s contract expires at the end of June. Spanish newspaper Sport reported United have offered him a one year extension with a reduced wage. He is said to be weighing it up.

At present Mata wears Manchester United’s number eight shirt. If he leaves, this won’t stay vacant for long.

Available squad numbers for new signings

One of the dilemmas facing United is that potential new arrival Jadon Sancho seemed ideal for the number 7 shirt.

Edinson Cavani is currently wearing this, and it seems impolite to ask him to give it up.

Cavani could be persuaded perhaps to shift to 9, but this is worn by Anthony Martial. So this would depend on the Frenchman leaving and there are no reliable sources suggesting this is on the agenda at present.

Mata’s departure, if it happens, could make the number 8 shirt a good alternative for Sancho.

Bruno Fernandes might also be tempted or encouraged by close pal Mata to take up the number 8 shirt from 18, if it were to become available.

Incoming signing, back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton could take one of the below squad numbers.

Further numbers which might become available

Like Juan Mata, various players have question marks over their future because they have either been out on loan or are likely to leave.

These are the additional numbers which could be up for grabs this summer.

It is possible David de Gea is sold or loaned this summer. We don’t know which direction United will lean to. If he departs, Dean Henderson would take the number one shirt, giving up his 26.

Phil Jones’ number four shirt seems ideal for a new centre-back signing. Getting him off the books is every bit as tough as bringing in a new face.

Lee Grant like Mata is weighing up an extended contract. Lingard and Pereira are likely to leave, as could Dalot.

You can add number 18 to the above list if Fernandes goes and takes Mata’s eight shirt. But he might be happy with 18, following Paul Scholes.

Last year there was one key change with Mason Greenwood shifting to take the number 11 shirt.

Young talents like Anthony Elanga – who wore 56 – and Hannibal – who wore 46, could get ‘better’ numbers if they are promoted to the first team squad next season and not sent out on loan.

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