Wout Weghorst‘s Manchester United squad number was confirmed after he clinched his move to Old Trafford.
Weghorst has taken the number 27 shirt, one he chose from the available options.
The on loan striker had not worn this squad number before, previously wearing 9, 10, 14, 19, and 28 at club and international level.
Speaking to United’s club website, Weghorst insisted there was a reasoning behind taking the number 27.
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Why Weghorst wears 27
Weghorst explained that he felt the number 27 suited his role as a centre-forward.
He said: “Of course, I looked into the ones that are free or available. Two and seven will make nine, of course – a striker’s number. I had a feeling with it.”
The shirt was most recently worn by defender Alex Telles, on loan at Sevilla. Weghorst explained that he spoke to the Brazilian beforehand.
He explained: “When I came here I heard it was Alex [Telles]’s number, he got loaned out now. So yeah, I first had to ask him if that was ok, so I said to them [United] that was for me important and then in the end there was no problem so thanks to him also.
“So yeah, I go for the 27 and actually it’s just because I had a good feeling with it.”
The number 7 shirt was available after Cristiano Ronaldo‘s exit, but this shirt can weigh heavy, and was a distraction the loanee could do without.
Weghorst explained that he cannot wait to get going for United, having started training already.
He said: “I can’t wait to get started. There are plenty more games and I noticed it yesterday (against City) what’s waiting for me. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Dutch international forward is expected to be part of United’s first team squad to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
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