“With Anthony Martial’ departure, Hojlund, Mainoo, Garnacho and two other Players are set to get the best available Shirt numbers”-Rasmus Hojlund is set to be among five Manchester United 2024/25 shirt number changes
Manchester United have wrapped up their 2023/24 season, and the attention now turns to preparing for the next one.
Fans will be keenly watching the upcoming transfer window to see the influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team.
Another hot topic for supporters is the potential changes in squad shirt numbers.
It’s common for young players to receive new numbers to reflect their rising status, while the departure of players often frees up desirable numbers.
UtdDistrict has outlined five possible shirt number changes that could happen at Old Trafford next season.
### Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Højlund had a stellar debut season at United, scoring 16 goals and providing two assists despite facing challenges in the attack. The 21-year-old striker was given the no.11 shirt upon his arrival from Atalanta and is now eyeing the vacant no.9 shirt after Anthony Martial’s departure.
Højlund previously wore the no.9 at SK Sturm Graz, and it appears unlikely that United will sign another high-profile striker who would claim that number. This potential change is reminiscent of Wayne Rooney’s switch from no.8 to no.10 in 2007.
### Kobbie Mainoo
As young players advance in their careers, they often receive more prominent squad numbers. Kobbie Mainoo had an outstanding season with United’s first team, finishing with a winning goal in the FA Cup final. He switched to no.37 at the start of the 2023/24 season, up from no.73.
With Casemiro possibly leaving, Mainoo could be in line for Paul Scholes’ former no.18 shirt, which was also worn by Bruno Fernandes and Ashley Young. This would signal Mainoo’s growing importance at the club.
### Willy Kambwala
Willy Kambwala emerged as another young talent in the first team last season, becoming a regular in the squad in the latter half and making a strong impression when given the chance. Currently wearing no.53, the French defender is expected to receive a new squad number, especially if United plans to keep him for the next season instead of sending him out on loan.
### Harry Amass
Harry Amass, despite not making his first-team debut last season, has increased his role within the squad. The 17-year-old left-back became a regular participant in Ten Hag’s training sessions and matchday squads.
He is expected to contribute more next season and might get an upgrade from his current no.70 shirt. Although the no.3 is available due to Luke Shaw’s preference for no.23, it might be too soon for Amass to take that number. Instead, no.33, previously worn by Brandon Williams, who is likely to leave with his contract expiring this summer, could be a suitable choice.
### Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho has rapidly become one of United’s key players after an impressive 2023/24 season. Although he was expected to receive the iconic no.7 shirt last summer, he switched to no.17, while new signing Mason Mount took the legendary number previously worn by David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Eric Cantona.
If Mount decided to pass the no.7 shirt to Garnacho, he would likely embrace it. This scenario is not unprecedented, as Antonio Valencia also relinquished the number. However, it seems more likely that Garnacho will take the no.11, with Højlund moving to no.9.
