admin It’s been a summer of change for Man United and some players will change shirt numbers.
After a promising and fulfilling season, Manchester United are looking forward to the summer ahead, but they also know they have big challenges ahead of them.
Eric ten Haag has pulled away from the chaotic and undisciplined mob he took over at United in just 12 months, but he’s even farther from Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals. Closing this gap will require a significant improvement in the summer transfer market.
Midfielders and strikers come first, but centre-backs, goalkeepers, defensive midfielders and full-backs are also on the agenda. However, not all newcomers are eligible. Because even newcomers who the manager decides aren’t good enough have to be promoted.
With the possibility of multiple departures, many team numbers can be gained quickly. Here are eight active players who could line up for upgrades to their current uniforms this summer.
Casemiro
Last year, when Casemiro arrived late to the transfer market, jersey numbers were tight, so he chose the number 18 jersey and wore it with pride, changing the fortunes of United in a string of outstanding performances. Cristian Eriksen, who took over Casemiro’s number 14 jersey at Real Madrid, could well choose to keep his current jersey number, but a change could also be an option.
Harry Maguire could be on the move this summer, fueling speculation that Tottenham are interested in the centre-back. If the captain leaves, number 5 will become vacant. Casemiro has worn the number for the Brazilian national team since 2015 and could wear it at Old Trafford.
Rafael Varane
Rafael Varane is at the top of the list of players who could get a new jersey number this summer. The giant centre-back wore the number 19 shirt in his first two seasons at United, but there were several numbers associated with potential centre-backs that could make him consider a move.
No. 4 Phil Jones is confirmed to be leaving at the end of his contract, so he will definitely get it, while Maguire (5), Eric Bailly (3) and Victor Lindelof (2) may be sold. Varane wore the number 4 jersey for France until his retirement after the World Cup, and both the number 2 and number 5 jerseys at Madrid.
Diogo Dalot
Though he had a fiercer fight for his spot in the team towards the end of the season due to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s improvement, Dalot enjoyed a fine season under Ten Hag and also kicked on his game considerably. The Portuguese has worn the No.20 since his arrival in 2018 and after securing his future until 2028 with a new contract he might be in line for a new number.
Dalot has worn the numbers 2, 3 and 5 for his previous clubs and national teams, all of which could be available for him.
Anthony, Sancho and Garnacho
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure in December left the famous number 7 vacant, with three candidates vying for it. The number has lost some of its relevance compared to the era of George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham, who were on hiatus for 14 years, but it remains an iconic number. .
Anthony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all close to picking up their shirts. Garnacho, who has made a leap forward at number 49, may be a popular choice, but it could also be argued that there is a lot of pressure on his young shoulders. Antony wore the number 7 jersey for one season in Sao Paulo and the Brazilian youth team, but as a left-hander he chose the number 11 jersey and now wears the number 21 jersey. Sancho surprised the Bundesliga with the number 7 jersey, but his performances in the Old League surprised them. Trafford did not give him the jersey.
Kobbie Mainoo
Koby Mainu is the youngest player on the verge of a first-team breakthrough after making his Ten Hag debut and we’ll see more of him in the run-up to the season if he’s not injured. could have been The exciting and action-packed midfielder finished the season with three top-flight appearances, but certainly impressed enough to see his record drop significantly from his current No. 73.
Alvaro Fernandes
In 74th place ahead of him is Alvaro Fernandes, who had a great season at championship club Preston and won the Young Player of the Year award. The prospective full-back will be given a chance to impress in pre-season before deciding whether to return on loan. He will definitely get an upgrade for his next tour.
