Manchester United could make some squad number changes this summer, with Amad one player who could be in line for a new shirt.
Usually, there is at least one major number change at Manchester United in the summer transfer window, and Amad could be impacted this year.
In 2024, United handed Rasmus Hojlund the number 9 shirt, a change from the 11 he wore in the 2023-24 season to some success. The change was not positive for Hojlund as he endured a pretty horrid season with his new number.
The prior summer, Alejandro Garnacho was handed the number 17 shirt to reflect his rising importance after wearing 49 during his breakout campaign.
Now, United’s shirt numbers could once again see change with Amad deserving of a more suitable number than 16 after his breakout season. Amad has hinted at a change when he posted the new kit on his Instagram story along with the caption of “16” and a timer emoji.
Screenshot of Amad Instagram story caption message hinting at new Manchester United number.
Screenshot of Amad Instagram story caption message hinting at new Manchester United number. Credit: @amaddiallo19 Instagram
So we would definitely hold off purchasing any new home shirt with Amad on the back until we have clarification on this.
If Amad changes his number, what could he change to?
Amad Diallo with hand on Chido Obi's head during Manchester United's post season tour.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Number 17
The first option we are going with is that Amad could be handed the number 17 shirt once Garnacho leaves the club. Amorim has already left Garnacho no route back at United, and so it would seem likely a sale will be completed sooner rather than later.
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Previously worn by
Fred
Daley Blind
Nani
Henrik Larsson
Liam Miller
Raimond van der Gouw
Andy Cole
If this happens soon, we can see Amad taking the 17, as it perfectly fits a winger and also reflects his importance to the United team.
It is not the biggest number he could get, but it probably makes the most sense.
Number 14
One less glamorous option for Amad may be the number 14, which is currently vacant after Christian Eriksen was set for release by United.
Previously worn by
Jesse Lingard
Javier Hernandez
Alan Smith
Jordi Cruyff
Andrei Kanchelskis.
14 is more fitting of an attacker like Amad; however, it does not quite reflect his importance to the team, as he will almost certainly be a regular starter.
Number 7
The number seven shirt at United is historic and arguably one of the heaviest football shirt numbers in football. Currently worn by Mason Mount, the seven has always been held by some of the game’s best. The pressure that comes with it clearly hasn’t helped Mount, and so Amad could be perfect to replace him.
Previously worn by
Cristiano Ronaldo
David Beckham
Eric Cantona
George Best
Bryan Robson.
Mount won’t want to give up the number, but at some point, the club should be stepping in and making the tough decision, which might actually help the midfielder.
Amad 7… has a nice ring to it, and he has proven himself worthy.
Honourable mentions
There are other options that Amad could take that aren’t in our top three.
Amad wore the 19 at United previously; however, it was free last season, which means he surely would have taken it then if he was going to.
Additionally, Diogo Dalot may end up changing to the number two, leaving the 20 open for Amad.
Another extreme option may be the 11. Joshua Zirkzee has a lot of interest this summer, and despite United not being keen to sell, if he does leave, it will leave a big number free.