Iconic shirt numbers could be up for grabs at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United rebuild gathers pace this summer
Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United continue to be busy this summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim eyes a squad reset ahead of the new Premier League season.
When new signings arrive, fans often focus on the big details – transfer fees, wages, and where they’ll fit on the pitch. But one thing that can get overlooked is shirt numbers, and at Manchester United, that can be a pretty big deal.
The number a player wears may seem like just a digit stitched onto a kit, but at a club like United, it carries serious weight. Think of the famous No.7 shirt worn by legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Eric Cantona. It’s not just a number, it’s a legacy.
This summer, with new signings expected and some players set to leave, a few of United’s iconic squad numbers could be available once again.
The No.1 shirt could be one to go. Andre Onana has struggled since his arrival in 2023, with several high-profile errors costing United in key moments.
Andre Onana’s future at Manchester United is unclear(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Reports have linked the club with Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who could come in and take that number if a reported £30-40m deal is struck. Manchester Evening News understands Onana wants to stay, but Amorim may see things differently.
Then there’s the No.2 shirt. Most famously worn by former captain Gary Neville, the number is now vacant following Victor Lindelof’s exit. Traditionally a full-back’s number, Lindelof wore it in central defence, and whoever comes in could redefine it again.
Further up the pitch, there are questions about Mason Mount and the No.7 shirt. The former Chelsea man was handed the iconic number when he signed for £60m, but injuries and form have held him back.
With just four goals across two seasons, some are questioning whether he’s lived up to the number’s legacy. Compare that to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 118-goal haul in his first United stint, and it’s easy to see the pressure.
The attacking trio of No.9, No.10 and No.11 could also see change. Rasmus Hojlund, No.9, has shown flashes of promise but may leave on loan with Inter Milan reportedly keen on a permanent deal instead.
Marcus Rashford, No.10, iconically worn by Wayne Rooney, continues to hint at a move to Barcelona, while Bayern Munich are also interested. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, No.11, hasn’t quite cemented his place, despite an okay season with seven goals and two assists.
If any of these United players are to leave the club, the question will be who will take their spot, and can they live up to their number.
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