Manuel Ugarte squad number at Man Utd, his favourites are all taken but one option could suit him

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Manchester United are now close to completing the transfer saga of Manuel Ugarte, after months of negotiation.

Almost two months on from the initial links to Manuel Ugarte, finally the deal is now imminent.

It seems likely Ugarte will arrive on loan with an option or obligation to buy worth £51m, a figure which will place him just outside the top 10 most expensive Manchester United signings of all time.

A deal taking Ugarte to Manchester United is almost complete, with the Uruguayan being left out of the PSG squad for Friday’s Ligue 1 game.

An announcement is likely not far off, with all signs pointing to his arrival including Erik ten Hag’s familiar response when asked about Ugarte.

Now, the focus can turn to what Manchester United squad number Ugarte will be wearing on the back of his kit this coming season.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

Manuel Ugarte squad number history

A shirt number is so much more than just a number, with it being a large part of a footballer’s personal brand. Throughout the history of Manchester United’s squad numbers, several have become iconic such as Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the famous number seven shirt at United.

For Ugarte though, the choices will be limited with none of his favoured numbers being available to him this summer.

Of every number Ugarte has worn, only 26 is currently available which could make it a pretty simple solution – although that number was not one he donned for long.

25 could soon be available if Jadon Sancho is sold, with Juventus in talks over a deal to sign the Englishman. Meanwhile, a possible exit of Christian Eriksen would also free up the number 14, one which could suit Ugarte well.

While the squad number for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui was pretty obvious, a bit more mystery surrounds Ugarte.

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Available squad numbers at Manchester United

United have packed out the squad numbers from one right up to 12, which means a single-digit shirt number is unlikely for the Uruguayan.

With Ugarte seeming to favour a number four jersey, perhaps he will go for a shock number 44 shirt in order to stick close to his number at PSG.

13 would be the lowest available number, although this number is rarely handed to an outfield player. After this, 19 would be the lowest number available – and this could be the one which fits right.

26 is another option, but unless he wants that number specifically it is unlikely the club will hand a key player such a high number in the squad.

So without any departures, 19 looks the most likely option but we will have to wait and see what number he is handed, as United could also throw a curveball.