Three expected Manchester United shirt number changes for 2023/24

Manchester United’s 2023 summer transfer window is expected to be one with many outgoings as several high-profile players expected to leave the club.

Manchester United are expected to see the back of multiple first-team players expected to be departing from Erik ten Hag‘s squad before the end of August.

Names such as Harry Maguire, David de Gea, and Fred and linked with moves away this summer as the Dutchman looks to revamp his squad as much as he can under his restricted budget this summer.

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Of course, with player changes at the club comes changes in squad numbers – a highly anticipated announcement ahead of the season for fans.

There are multiple numbers who may be up for grabs this summer, with three changes expected.

#1 – Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane currently occupies the No. 19 shirt at United.

The reason behind this, he has previously explained, is that “the number 19 was my first number when I arrived in Real Madrid, so I wanted to do the same thing in another great club.”

At Real Madrid, after the No. 19 he graduated to his more well-known No. 5 shirt – and he could make the same move this summer.

Club captain Harry Maguire is the current occupant of the No. 5 jersey, however, he has been tipped as one player who may leave the club this summer after Erik ten Hag demoted him to a bench position.

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Logically, Varane could then take up the No. 5 shirt once again, further recreating the steps he took at Real Madrid.

#2 – A new No. 7 occupant

The No. 7 shirt at Manchester United is one of the most privileged shirts in football history.

Having been occupied by the likes of Bryan Robson, David Beckham, George Best, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic jersey carries a lot of weight.

Ronaldo was the holder of the shirt last season until his shock termination contract, and the spot is now open for the taking.

When he joined in 2021, many thought Jadon Sancho would become the eventual heir to the top, however, his mixed first two seasons at the club have seen him fall behind in the pecking order.

Alejandro Garnacho is the current favourite to become the next play to don the top. After an incredible first season at Old Trafford, the young winger is due an upgrade from his current No. 49 regardless and may be the best player available to build a new legacy surrounding the No. 7.

#3 – André Onana

With David de Gea expected to leave Manchester United this summer as his contract expires and he loses his position as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, André Onana seems in pole position to replace the Spaniard.

The Inter Milan goalkeeper is reportedly closing in on a move to Old Trafford this summer with Ten Hag keen to continue to develop a new style of play within his squad.

Naturally, as De Gea will likely be vacating his No. 1 jersey, it only makes sense that the next first-choice goalkeeper through the doors, in this case, Onana, will inherit the number.