Among previous wearers of the no.2 are one-club stalwart Gary Neville, who bore it on his shirt from 1994 until his 2011 retirement.
Wes Brown and Rafael are other recent incumbents, albeit that the former only wore it in the Manchester derby against City in 2008, that marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.
The news follows Matheus Cunha being assigned the no.10 and confirmation of three youngsters shifting squad position - Shea Lacey (61), Bendito Mantato (70) and Reece Munro (65).