Manchester United hint at Rasmus Højlund shirt number amid transfer sales update

Manchester United’s decision-making has hinted at the number Rasmus Højlund will wear under Erik ten Hag next season.

Manchester United recently announced the signing of Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta for a reported fee of £60 million plus a further £12m in add-ons.

Højlund was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd for the first time on Saturday afternoon as the player walked out onto the pitch ahead of United’s 3-1 win over Lens.

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Erik ten Hag, having finally secured his striker signing for the summer, will have to wait a few weeks before Højlund can play – he is currently suffering from a minor injury.

Unusually, Højlund is yet to be handed a squad number for the coming season – and Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail has explained that this is because they are expecting transfer outgoings ahead of the opening Premier League fixture.

Brazilian midfielder Fred is expected to leave the club this summer having attracted interest from Galatasary, and also happens to be the current occupant of the No. 17 shirt – Højlund’s number at Atalanta.

With Anthony Martial currently occupying the No. 9 shirt, 17 is the next logical choice for the Dane, and as the club are waiting for transfer business to conclude before handing Højlund a number, it is easy to conclude that he will be granted the No. 17 top at United.

Højlund is currently expected to be available for selection by gameweek three of the Premier League season, at home against Nottingham Forest.