De Jong’s favourite number remains free at Man Utd as Fernandes gets new digits
Manchester United have started to confirm their shirt numbers for the 2022-23 season – and Frenkie de Jong's favourite digits remain free.
De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer following Erik ten Hag's appointment as Red Devils boss. Although nothing has yet been agreed between Barcelona and United, hope remains that a deal can be done.
United fans have not given up on a move for the 25-year-old midfielder, and they might feel even more optimistic after finding out that De Jong's favourite shirt number remains free at the Red Devils. Since he turned professional, Barcelona star De Jong has opted for 21 on the back of his shirt as a tribute to his late grandfather who was born on 21 April.
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Last season the No.21 jersey was worn by Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. But with the 35-year-old now departed, those digits are now vacant.
United announced some of their new squad numbers on Thursday. Curiously, no one had adopted the vacant 21 shirt, leading to suggestions that it has been left empty for De Jong to fill.
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Elsewhere, midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes will wear the No.8 shirt vacated by Juan Mata. Like Cavani, Mata also left the club in the close season after nine years at Old Trafford.
Fernandes switched from the No.18 ahead of the upcoming campaign and will wear his new jersey during United's pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.
The 27-year-old has wanted the No.8 shirt for some time and even joked about it after Mata's contract extension 12 months ago. "I guess I’ll have to wait for the number 8 another year," he said on social media.
New signing Tyrell Malacia will wear the No.12 shirt last seen on the back of Chris Smalling for United. The 22-year-old defender joined the club from Feyenoord on Tuesday.
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