Manchester United have concluded their 2023/24 campaign, and now the focus shifts to preparing for next season.
United supporters will be particularly attentive to the upcoming transfer window to evaluate the impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team.
Another aspect that fans are always keen to monitor is the possible shirt number changes within the squad.
Often, young players are awarded new shirt numbers to acknowledge their rising status within the team, while sometimes a departing player leaves a number open for someone else to claim.
Ahead of those decisions, UtdDistrict has detailed five potential shirt number changes that could occur at Old Trafford next season.
### Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Højlund had an impressive debut season at United, scoring 16 goals and registering two assists despite challenges up front. The 21-year-old striker was given the no.11 shirt when he joined from Atalanta and is likely eyeing the vacant no.9 shirt following Anthony Martial’s departure.
Højlund wore the no.9 while at SK Sturm Graz, and it seems unlikely that United will sign a high-profile striker who would demand that number. This change makes a lot of sense, similar to Wayne Rooney’s switch from no.8 to no.10 in 2007.
### Kobbie Mainoo
Young players often receive more prominent squad numbers as their careers progress. Kobbie Mainoo had a fantastic campaign in the United first team last term, ending the season with a winning goal in the FA Cup final. He switched to no.37 at the start of the 2023/24 season after previously wearing no.73.
With Casemiro likely to depart, it seems fitting for Mainoo to receive Paul Scholes’ former no.18 shirt, previously worn by Bruno Fernandes and Ashley Young. This would be a small indicator of Mainoo’s growing importance at United.
### Willy Kambwala
Willy Kambwala emerged as another young star in the first team last season. He was a mainstay in the squad in the second half of the campaign and made a positive impression when called upon. Currently wearing no.53, the French defender is likely to be awarded a new squad number, especially if United plans to keep him around next season rather than sending him on loan.
### Harry Amass
Harry Amass may not have made his first-team debut last season, but his role within the squad has certainly improved. The 17-year-old left-back became a regular part of Ten Hag’s training sessions and matchday squads.
It is expected that he will play a part in the team next season, and he might receive an upgrade from his current no.70 shirt. While the no.3 is available due to Luke Shaw’s preference for no.23, it wouldn’t make sense to give that number to Amass so early. Instead, no.33 could be appropriate for the teenager, previously worn by Brandon Williams, who is likely to depart with his contract expiring this summer.
### Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho has quickly become one of United’s most important players after a stellar 2023/24 campaign. The young talent was expected to receive the iconic no.7 shirt last summer but instead changed to no.17, while new signing Mason Mount was given 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 accept it eagerly. This wouldn’t be unprecedented, as Antonio Valencia also relinquished the number. However, it seems more likely that the no.11 will become available for Garnacho, with Højlund moving to no.9.
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