Manchester United have handed Chido Obi a brand new shirt number for the 2025/26 campaign after his breakthrough into the first-team last season.
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 present for the opening day of training, alongside Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, and several other squad members.
A handful of players, including Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, returned to training on Thursday after receiving extended leave following their international commitments.
That group included 18-year-old striker Chido Obi, who made seven first-team appearances for Amorim’s side last term.
United issue Obi loan hint with new shirt number
After his breakthrough, Obi has been rewarded with a new shirt number to reflect his growing status within the squad.
The Danish youngster wore the no.53 last season and it has now been confirmed that he will wear the no.32 for the upcoming campaign.
Carlos Tevez is the most notable name to wear that number, while goalkeeper Victor Valdes also donned the shirt number during his time at Old Trafford.
Obi is expected to wear that new kit at United next season, with there currently being no plans to send him on loan, and that shirt upgrade suggests that the plan remains the same, with upgraded shirt numbers often meaning a growing importance in the first-team squad.
United confirm seven shirt number changes for 2025/26
United also confirmed that Tyler Fredricson would be receiving a new number after his own breakthrough into the first-team squad. The defender is moving from no.55 to no.33.
Alongside Obi and Fredricson, United have confirmed that three additional Academy players have been handed upgraded squad numbers ahead of the upcoming season.
Read More:
Promising forward Shea Lacey has switched from no.72 to no.61, while defender Reece Munro moves from no.79 to no.65. Winger Bendito Mantato, who recently signed a four-year professional contract, has been promoted from no.80 to no.75.
Elsewhere, new signing Cunha has been assigned the no.10 shirt, with Marcus Rashford’s anticipated departure paving the way. Diogo Dalot has also moved from the no.20 to the no.2 after Victor Lindelöf’s departure.
Meanwhile, Diego Leon’s squad number has yet to be confirmed, though speculation continues to link him with the no.37 shirt, currently worn by Kobbie Mainoo.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.