Manchester United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to complete his squad overhaul ahead of the new Premier League season
03:16, 03 Jul 2025
Ruben Amorim speaks to the Old Trafford crowd after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United are in full swing this summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim is keen on a squad shake-up ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
When fresh faces join, supporters usually focus on transfer fees, salaries, and their role on the pitch. However, one aspect that often slips under the radar is shirt numbers, and at a club like United, it's a pretty hefty deal.
The number a player wears might seem like just a digit sewn onto a kit, but at a club with United's stature, it holds significant clout. Consider the iconic No.7 shirt sported by legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Eric Cantona. It's not merely a number, it's a heritage.
Andre Onana
Andre Onana's future at Manchester United is unclear(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
This summer, with new signings on the horizon and some players likely to depart, several of United's legendary squad numbers could be up for grabs again, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The No. 1 jersey might be one to watch. Andre Onana has had a rough ride since joining in 2023, with a string of high-profile blunders costing United dearly.
Article continues below
Rumours have linked the Red Devils with Aston Villa's World Cup-winning keeper Emi Martinez, who could potentially nab that number if a reported £30-40m deal goes through. Manchester Evening News reports that Onana is keen to stay, but Amorim might have other plans.
The No.2 shirt was most notably worn by ex-skipper Gary Neville, but the number could now be up for grabs following Victor Lindelof's departure. Traditionally a full-back's number, Lindelof wore it in central defence, and the next wearer could redefine its meaning yet again.
Further upfield, there are questions over Mason Mount and the legendary No. 7 shirt.
The ex-Chelsea lad was given the iconic number when he signed his £60m deal, but injuries and a dip in form have put a spanner in the works.
Mount has been plagued by injuries since he joined United
Mount has been plagued by injuries since he joined United(Image: Getty Images)
With a tally of just four goals over two seasons, some are starting to wonder if he has really done justice to the legacy of the number. When you stack that against Cristiano Ronaldo's whopping 118-goal haul during his initial United run, it is clear where the pressure's coming from.
The attacking trio of No.9, No.10 and No.11 might also be in for a shake-up.
Rasmus Hojlund, our No. 9, has shown glimpses of brilliance but could be off on loan, with Inter Milan reportedly sniffing around for a full transfer.
Marcus Rashford, our No. 10, famously donned by Wayne Rooney, keeps dropping hints about a potential switch to Barcelona, while Bayern Munich are also said to be keen.
Article continues below
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, our No. 11, hasn't quite nailed down his spot, despite a decent season netting seven goals and providing two assists.
If any of these United lads do end up leaving Old Trafford, the big question will be who steps into their boots, and whether they can rise to the challenge of their number.