Man United have had an impressive start to the Erik ten Hag era in pre-season far, winning both their games in convincing fashion....CONTINUE READING
But, there is still quite a way to go before the real test starts in the form of the Premier League season next month.
As United aim to complete their transfer business, they’ll also have to sort the shirt number situations in the first-team squad.
That involves allocating new numbers for Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, the newest signings.
However, some of the existing first-team players can benefit from a change in shirt number too. Let’s look at which.
No. 7 for Jadon Sancho
Before Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Man United, Jadon Sancho was promised to get the no.7 jersey. With Ronaldo seemingly likely to leave, the Red Devils can fulfill their commitment by re-allocating that iconic number to the Englishman and help him become the main star of the team.
No. 4 for Raphael Varane
Phil Jones has held onto the no.4 jersey for far too long at United, as it’s considered an important one for defenders. Raphael Varane doesn’t really suit the no.19 shirt at all and it’d be logical to give him the no.4 and give more importance to his role to the team. Varane wears that number for France too, so he should fancy it too.
No.14 for Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga has become an important part of the United first-team squad now and deserves a valuable number too. The no. 36 shirt doesn’t suit him anymore and he deserves a lower number.
The no.14 shirt is vacated since Jesse Lingard’s departure and Elanga can take it up to bring more importance to his role in the team.
No. 18 for James Garner
Bruno Fernandes vacated the no.18 shirt to take up the no.8 shirt after Juan Mata’s departure, but that can now be given to James Garner.
The midfielder proved his quality on loan at Nottingham Forest last season and deserves a bigger role at United this season. Giving him Paul Scholes’ iconic number can boost Garner’s self-belief and consolidate him as a key first-team player.
No. 24 for Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri finally looks ready to have his breakthrough season at a senior level under Ten Hag and should be involved in the first-team set-up. Despite not playing any games so far, his quality and passion can make him an asset for Ten Hag.
Now that he’s a first-team squad regular, Mejbri also deserves a better number than no.36. The no.24 kit, previously worn by legends like David Beckham and Scholes, should be a nice fit for Hannibal and give him the confidence needed to excel.
No.13 for Zidane Iqbal
Zidane Iqbal has arguably been one of United’s brightest players in pre-season so far. Going by how well he’s playing, the teenager is expected to remain a part of the first-team squad this season.
If so, he only deserves an ‘upgrade’ in his shirt number too. The no.73 is not worthy for a first-teamer, but Zidane can get the no.13 shirt that would help establish him as a valuable part of Ten Hag’s squad.
