Three Manchester United shirt numbers Joshua Zirkzee could take for 2024/25 campaign

Manchester United have completed the signing of 23-year-old Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee on a five-year contract.

The club announced their first summer signing on Sunday afternoon, with Zirkzee joining from Bologna for a reported £36.5 million fee.

Following the signing, many United fans are eagerly awaiting the shirt number that Zirkzee will be wearing next season, and there are several options.

The talented forward’s most likely shirt number will be the vacant no.9 following the exit of Anthony Martial last month.

However, that number could also be given to existing striker Rasmus Højlund, who currently has the no.11 after joining the club last summer.

In that case, Zirkzee could take the no.11 from the Dane – a number that he wore during his debut campaign at Bologna.

A third option and perhaps a wildcard shirt number is that Zirkzee takes the vacant no.19 after Raphaël Varane’s departure.

Considering there are still rumours that another forward signing could be made this summer, with the likes of Ivan Toney strongly linked, United could be saving the no.9 for another signing.

Instead, Zirkzee could take the no.19 in a similar way that Alejandro Garnacho took the no.17 after missing out on the no.7 last summer.

Speaking on his transfer to the club, Zirkzee said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.

“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.

“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”