Diogo Dalot
Image Credits:Getty Images
Manchester United have kicked off their pre-season under Ruben Amorim.
In what’s shaping up to be a vital summer at Carrington.
The Portuguese coach took over midway through last season and struggled to make an impact, with United looking disjointed and inconsistent throughout the campaign – finishing 15th in the Premier League.
But with a full pre-season now at his disposal, there are no more excuses.
This is Amorim’s chance to drill his tactical identity into the squad, fine-tune the system, and build momentum ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.
The club is expected to back him in the transfer market – they’ve already confirmed the arrival of Matheus Cunha and are actively pursuing several more targets.
However, there will be further changes within the squad.
A number of first-team players will be starting the season with new shirt numbers going into the new season
Here are five Manchester United stars who will wear a new shirt number for the 2025/26 season.
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Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot will swap his long-time number 20 shirt for the number 2 ahead of the 2025/26 season.
A more traditional number for a right-back and a reflection of his standing in the squad.
Since arriving from Porto in 2018, Dalot has matured into a consistent, reliable presence in United’s backline.
At just 26, he’s already vastly experienced and one of the most professional figures in the dressing room.
With several young defenders coming through, Dalot is seen as a key leader both on and off the pitch.
Tactically, he’ll play an important role in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Dalot has been versatile under Ruben Amorim, playing RWB and LWB, potentially also being able to play in a wide centre back role.
If Amorim is to succeed next season, he will need Dalot to step up.
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Shea Lacey, Bendito Mantato and Reece Munro
Alongside the senior changes, three of Manchester United’s most promising academy players – Shea Lacey, Bendito Mantato, and Reece Munro have all been handed new squad numbers ahead of the 2025/26 season.
It’s a subtle but significant indicator that Ruben Amorim and INEOS are serious about promoting youth into the first-team setup.
Shea Lacey has moved from 72 to 61.
The highly-rated winger has long been seen as a top prospect at United.
However, injuries have consistently hampered his development.
The hope is that this season, he can remain fit and continue impressing at youth level.
While a Premier League debut might be a way off, a runout in a domestic cup competition feels within reach.
Bendito Mantato has also received a new number, switching from 85 to 70.
Originally a left-back, Mantato has been reinvented as a dynamic right winger.
That versatility makes him a strong fit for Amorim’s system at wing back.
Mantato can take players on inside or out, has real end product, and his defensive background gives him a well-rounded edge.
Reece Munro completes the trio, moving from 79 to 65.
The defender can play as a full-back or centre-back and is particularly well-suited to a wide centre-back role in a back three.
Munro’s positional awareness and athleticism make him a smart fit for the profile Amorim values in that position.
These squad number changes and their involvement in pre-season training point to an increased role for all three this season.
Whether it’s in cup competitions, bench appearances, or even Europa League squads, expect Lacey, Mantato, and Munro to be names you hear a lot more in 2025/26.
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Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has worn the number 10 shirt at Manchester United for several years, but that is no longer the case.
New signing Matheus Cunha has been handed the iconic number, leaving Rashford without a current squad number.
As it stands, Rashford would need to choose a new number if he stays – but that remains uncertain.
Both United and the player are exploring potential exit options, and a summer departure is looking increasingly likely.
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