There are no guarantees Marcus Rashford will leave Manchester United this January, but if he does, the Red Devils already have the perfect player to take over his number 10 shirt.
United’s owners are gearing up for a busy end to the winter window. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to sign off on multiple deals — both ins and outs.
Alejandro Garnacho has agreed personal terms with Napoli and seems the likeliest to go, but it’s Marcus Rashford who is sparking the most debate.
Even though the winger’s future remains up in the air with no agreement yet to be reached, should he leave Old Trafford, United already have the perfect replacement.
Amad perfect for number 10 shirt
If Rashford does move on, whether that be permanently, or on loan, his famous number 10 shirt will become available.
Amad currently wears the number 16 shirt but would be the perfect candidate to take over Rashford’s number 10 jersey.
Although some fans would like to see the young Ivorian wearing the side’s iconic number seven shirt, Mason Mount has it and there is little chance of him leaving anytime soon.
Not only that, but the pressure to perform with the number seven on your back has proven too much for every player since Cristiano Ronaldo. United won’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the shoulders of their brightest player this season.
So, in keeping with aiding his development, as well as working out a plan for life after Rashford, United would be wise to promote Amad to the number 10.
History of wearing number 10 jersey
Even though being United’s number 10 comes with its own pressure, Amad has a history of playing with that number on his back.
The 22-year-old was Atalanta’s youth team’s number 10 before being promoted to the Italian’s first team where he wore the number 16 shirt.
The likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney have played as United’s number 10, and while not quite as renowned as the seven shirt, worn by George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ronaldo, the 10 shirt definitely deserves better than what Rashford has offered.
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