Alejandro Garnacho could take Manchester United shirt number of three current squad members

After Alejandro Garnacho had his breakthrough season for Manchester United during Erik ten Hag’s maiden campaign, it is only logical to assume his shirt number will change.

Scoring six goals and providing six assists in 37 appearances last season, Alejandro Garnacho lit up Manchester United‘s left wing and earned himself a rightful spot in Erik ten Hag‘s first-team squad.

Currently holding the No. 49 shirt, many have touted the young Argentinian as the next United No. 7 – However, after Mason Mount was granted the iconic number after his £55 million signing, this will not be the case.

Read More: “Mistakes won’t matter” – Potential Manchester United goalkeeper’s goalscoring importance highlighted

As is tradition at the club, once an academy player has a good season at Old Trafford, they tend to be reassigned a number – with five academy players having been granted a new number this pre-season.

Garnacho will likely be handed a new number for the upcoming campaigns across the Premier League and Champions League, but what this number will be is up for debate.

Here are two free numbers that Garnacho could be handed for the coming season, as well as three numbers he could take off current United squad members

The No. 15 or 24 shirt

In terms of shirt numbers that are currently free, the No. 15 and 24 shirts are the only traditional outfield shirts available under 30.

The No.1 and No. 13 shirts are also available, however, with the No. 1 obviously going to André Onana and the No. 13 shirt most recently worn by Lee Grant, the possibility of Garnacho being handed either of these numbers is low.

Being handed a number under 30 from his current 49 would signify the increasing importance he has in Ten Hag’s squad.

The No. 11, 17, or 19 shirt

Although all three of these shirts are currently occupied, there is logic as to why Garnacho may end up wearing one of these three come the beginning of next season.

Raphael Varane currently occupies the No. 19 shirt, however, there is a chance he may change his number. Varane was, for the majority of his time, the No. 4 during his international career with France; and with Phil Jones vacating this shirt, Varane may pick this top for the upcoming season, leaving 19 available for Garnacho.

With the No. 17 shirt being held by Fred right now, it may become available as the Brazilian midfielder is for sale and has attracted interest from Fulham.

The 17 shirt would allow Garnacho to have a “7” on the back of his top, much like how Bruno Fernandes wore the No. 18 top while Juan Mata occupied the 8.

The 11 top is currently occupied by Mason Greenwood, but the English forward has not played for the club in 18 months and seems likely to go on loan for the coming season, leaving the famous shirt free.