Diogo Dalot is set to be handed a new shirt number at Manchester United as the club confirm that three other players have been handed new jerseys.
Rúben Amorim’s squad reported back to Carrington on Monday as Manchester United began preparations for the 2025/26 season.
New arrival Matheus Cunha was among those present on the opening day of training, along with others like Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee. Several other first-team players are expected to return later in the week after being granted extended leave following their involvement in international competitions.
Following just under two weeks of training at Carrington, United will embark on a five-game pre-season tour. Their first match is a trip to Sweden to take on long-time rivals Leeds United at the Strawberry Arena.
The squad will then travel to the United States for fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, before returning to Old Trafford for a final friendly against Fiorentina, who now feature former United goalkeeper David de Gea.
United will begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a marquee clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August, with kick-off set for 16:30 BST.
Dalot to be handed new shirt number
Diogo Dalot has been a stalwart under Amorim so far, having played 35 times under the Portuguese coach at United, including 22 times in the Premier League.
Dalot has mostly been deployed as a right wing-back, but some have questioned if he still has a long-term place in the starting XI due to Amorim’s high-intensity asks of those on the flank.
It has been suggested that the Portuguese international may fade into a squad role next season, with Amad set to start as a right wing-back, and Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro to battle it out for the right centre-back role.
However, in a clear show of faith, Dalot is reportedly set to change his shirt number from No. 20, which he has held since joining in 2018, to No. 2, underscoring his continued importance in the squad.
The No. 2 was recently made vacant following the departure of Victor Lindelöf, who had held the jersey since he signed in 2017.
United confirm three other shirt number changes
Aside from Dalot, United recently confirmed that three of their Academy players had also been handed improved numbers ahead of the coming season.
Young forward Shea Lacey has moved up from No. 72 to No. 61, while Academy defender Reece Munro has switched from No. 79 to No. 65.
Winger Bendito Mantato has been given the No. 75 shirt, having worn No. 80 last season — a change that follows his signing of a four-year professional contract just a few months ago.
Elsewhere, new signing Cunha has been handed the No. 10 shirt with Marcus Rashford set to depart, and there has been little news on fresh transfer Diego Leon’s number, with there being a theory that he may be waiting for Kobbie Mainoo to move from the No. 37 kit.
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