One of the most exciting initial aspects of a new signing is which shirt number they will take, with many at Manchester United steeped in history.
Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon has officially joined Manchester United, following an agreement that was initially struck in January.
Leon is the latest addition to United’s ever-expanding pool of exciting young talent, linking up with Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven, and Chido Obi — all signed for modest fees but full of potential.
Heaven and Obi have already earned spots in Rúben Amorim’s first-team plans, while Kone impressed during his unofficial debut in a post-season friendly last month.
The 18-year-old arrives from Cerro Porteño and has already made headlines by declaring his ambition to break into the first team next season.
With Matheus Cunha having been confirmed as the club’s new No. 10, taking over from the departing Marcus Rashford, eyes have turned to which number the young Paraguayan could be given.
No. 37
Leon’s most recent number, and the one he has worn throughout his career so far at Cerro Porteño, is the No. 37 shirt, in which he has made 33 senior appearances, scoring four goals in that time. However, Kobbie Mainoo currently occupies this number at Old Trafford.
But, with Mainoo looking likely to sign a new long-term contract at the club, he could well change number, with the No. 14 kit having become vacant after Christian Eriksen departed at the end of last month.
Should this happen, Leon may opt to continue with the No. 37 on his back, with other previous occupants including club heroes John O’Shea and Danny Webber.
No. 15
As in every club, the number you wear on your back is often a reflection of your importance in the team. Fringe players, such as Academy stars, are typically assigned numbers above 30, while those more integral to the first team are given numbers under 20 unless requested otherwise.
Leon has been firm so far that he is looking to break into the first team this season, and with there being a possibility that Leny Yoro could shift to be handed the No. 2 kit due to his growing importance in Amorim’s side, the young full-back could further stamp his ambition by asking for the No. 15 kit.
This may be less likely than him being handed a higher squad number, but it is by no means out of the realms of possibility. Although the No. 19 is also available, this is likely being held for Bryan Mbeumo, should he sign from Brentford this summer.
No. 33
The No. 33 kit was most recently held by Academy graduate and former left-back Brandon Williams, who departed when his contract expired in June 2023.
Often, if a player does not get their desired first-team number at a club, they will drop either ten or twenty didgets down, or pick a number that add to their desired number.
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Bruno Fernandes initially chose the No. 18 kit, as the No. 8 was occupied by Juan Mata when he joined, and Jadon Sancho chose the No. 25, adding two and five to his desired number, the No. 7 kit.
For Leon, he may choose the No. 33 to reflect his status as a reserve left wing-back in the squad. The No. 3 is often for the first-choice left-back, but in United’s case, this is occupied by Noussair Mazraoui. First-choice left wing-back therefore has No. 13, while Luke Shaw, who has traditionally played on the left, has the No. 23.
Therefore, it could be logical for Leon to select the No. 33 shirt, as this reflects his place as a young player set to battle it out for first-team action alongside Harry Amass, who currently holds the No. 41 Jersey.
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