Man Utd new boy Hojlund could take four shirt numbers as duo may deny dream

Man Utd: Club signing ‘very good player’ in Hojlund

Manchester United unveiled their new striker Rasmus Hojlund to much fanfare at Old Trafford on Saturday, having been paraded around the stadium before Erik ten Hag’s side defeated Lens 3-1 in a pre-season friendly. However, no official shirt number was provided for the £72million man, leaving questions over which jersey he would take for the coming season.

The Daily Mail have since claimed that the reasoning for Hojlund not taking a number was down to the transfer window still being open and business yet to be done. Movement is expected to follow shortly regarding incomings and outgoings, but Ten Hag and Hojlund will be keen to finalise the Denmark international’s jersey and help him adjust to Premier League life.

The 20-year-old is expected to miss the start of the season, however, owing to a minor injury picked up during Atalanta’s pre-season. United were aware of the issue prior to signing him, but it may take several weeks for the Red Devils fanbase to see their new striker in action.

Here, Express Sport has looked at four shirt numbers that Hojlund may take depending on the club’s transfer activity up until September 1 when the transfer window closes.

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9

The vast majority of strikers dream of donning the number nine, few more famous than United’s but it is currently in possession by Anthony Martial. The Frenchman’s inability to stay fit has partially caused the club to go out and spend big on Hojlund, but whether the Dane could take his team-mate’s number.

Hojlund wore the No 9 during his season at Austrian side Sturm Graz and may get the opportunity once again as CaughtOffside have claimed that Martial is on West Ham’s shortlist this summer. It is unclear whether that interest is followed up on, but as they are unlikely to be able to match Martial’s current salary he could deny Hojlund by remaining at Old Trafford.

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17

A similar story features with the number 17, currently belonging to Fred. Hojlund wore the number at Atalanta, but it is unclear whether he would prefer to continue with the same kit. However, Fred has been linked with an exit as he could move to Turkish side Galatasaray in order to make room for transfer target Sofyan Amrabat – and Fabrizio Romano has stated that the club expect talks over a sale to advance this week.

Fulham had been interested in Fred but baulked at the asking price, leaving just Galatasaray in contention for the Brazilian’s signature. He does have a year left on his contract though and may opt to stay put and leave in 2024 for free, forcing Hojlund to look elsewhere.

28

Hojlund broke onto the scene at Copenhagen wearing number 28, though another of his former jerseys is currently taken by one of his new team-mates – this time youngster Facundo Pellistri. The Uruguayan has been tipped for a promising future, but there is a chance that he leaves on loan before the end of the window.

Pellistri scored the equalising goal in United’s friendly with Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on Sunday in the dying embers of the game, but with the significant strength in depth Ten Hag can call upon in forward areas he may decide to let Pellistri leave on loan, giving Hojlund the chance to take his shirt number.

45

The sole number that Hojlund has worn previously during his career that is available at United is 45.

The young forward made his Copenhagen debut wearing the No 45 and should he not want to upset the apple cart but fancies a familiar number, his only option is 45 – something he may consider if the likes of Martial and Fred stay at Old Trafford for another season.

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