Eight Manchester United players who could see their jersey numbers changed next season
The summer of transition at Manchester United might see a handful of players change their shirt numbers.
Manchester United can look forward to the summer after a promising and uplifting season, but they know they have a lot of work ahead of them.
Erik ten Hag has brought the disorganized and indisciplined rabble he inherited at United a long way un a year, but they are still a long way from competing for the Premier League title with Manchester City. To bridge the gap, significant changes are required during the summer transfer window.
The top priority are a midfielder and a striker, but a centre-back, goalkeeper, defensive midfielder, and full-back are also on the list. However, it cannot be entirely new arrivals because those considered unsuitable by the manager must also be moved on.
With multiple departures conceivable, many squad numbers could become available, and here are eight current players who could be in line for a jersey upgrading this summer.
Casemiro
When Casemiro arrived late in the transfer window last year, he chose No.18 and wore it proudly as he went on to alter United’s fortunes with a succession of brilliant performances. With Christian Eriksen claiming the No.14 shirt Casemiro wore at Real Madrid, he may want to keep his present number, but there may be a possibility for him to swap.
Harry Maguire has been made available for transfer this summer, and Tottenham are rumored to be interested in the centre-back. If the captain leaves, the No.5 will become available. Casemiro has worn the number for Brazil since 2015 and could do so again at Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane is at the top of the list of players who could earn a new jersey this summer. The massive centre-back has worn No.19 for United in his first two seasons, but with numerous numbers more associated with a centre-back potentially becoming available, he may look to switch.
Phil Jones’ No.4 will almost probably be available because it has been confirmed that he will leave when his contract expires, and any of Maguire (5), Eric Bailly (3), and Victor Lindelof (2) might be sold. Varane wore No.4 for France until his retirement following the World Cup, and he also wore No.2 and No.5 for Real Madrid during his time there.
Though he had a tougher struggle for a spot in the team near the conclusion of the season owing to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s progress, Dalot had a good season under Ten Hag and improved his game significantly. The Portuguese has worn the No.20 jersey since his debut in 2018, and after extending his deal until 2028, he might be in line for a new number.
Dalot has previously worn Nos. 2, 3, and 5 for his past clubs and national teams, and any of these numbers could be available to him.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected exit in December left the legendary No.7 empty, and three candidates are fighting for it. Though it has lost some of its luster since the days of George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham following a 14-year hiatus, it is still an iconic number to be handed.
Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho are all contenders for the jersey. Garnacho may be the popular pick after his breakout season wearing No.49, but it could be seen as a lot of burden to place on young shoulders. Antony wore No.7 for a season at Sao Paulo and in the Brazilian youth teams, but being a left-footer, he has preferred No.11 and currently wears No.21. Sancho excelled in the Bundesliga as No.7, but his exploits at Old Trafford did not earn him the shirt.
Kobbie Mainoo is the next youth on the edge of getting into the first team after making his debut under Ten Hag, and we might have seen more of him in the season’s final stretch if he hadn’t been injured. The dynamic, all-action midfielder concluded the season with three senior outings and is expected to have impressed enough to see his number slashed from No.73 to something much lower.
Alvaro Fernandez, the player above him on No.74, had a successful season on loan at Championship side Preston, winning their Young Player of the Year title. The promising full-back will be given a chance to shine in pre-season before being sent out on loan again. He might get an upgrade on the upcoming tour.
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