Rasmus Hojlund’s shirt number at Manchester United has been ‘confirmed’ by Fabrizio Romano.
On Saturday, the Denmark striker was formally unveiled as a United player, completing a deal from Atalanta for an initial fee of £64 million.
He was introduced to the Old Trafford faithful before United’s friendly against Ligue 1 side Lens, which United won 3-1.
However, fans will have to wait for Hojlund’s debut appearance for the club, as the 20-year-old suffered a’small issue’ in pre-season training with his former team.
United have yet to reveal the striker’s shirt number, with Anthony Martial already wearing number nine.
According to Romano, he will wear a different number for Erik ten Hag’s team, one that is currently occupied by a first-team player.
Fabrizio Romano ‘confirms’ Rasmus Hojlund’s shirt number at Manchester United.
Hojlund wore the number 17 shirt for his sole season at Atalanta, scoring nine goals in 32 Serie A appearances.
According to Romano, United want the forward to maintain some consistency following his move to Old Trafford and will enable him to wear the same number.
The number presently belongs to United midfielder Fred, who has worn 17 since joining the club in 2018.
However, Romano reports that Ten Hag’s team will sell the Brazilian, with a number of other clubs interested in signing him this summer.
He wrote on Twitter: “Manchester United expect Fred sale to advance [this week]. Sources guarantee he will 100% leave the club.”
Fellow Premier League club Fulham are said to be interested in signing the midfielder, but BBC Sport report that Marco Silva’s side have yet to table a firm offer.
Should he go on to leave the club, Fred would likely become part of an exodus at Old Trafford, with Alex Telles having already left and Eric Bailly, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay among those linked with moves away.
