Raphael Varane fancied the number four at Manchester United but Phil Jones, not seen in the first team for 19 months, refused to relinquish it.
So Varane plumped for '19' - his first squad number at Real Madrid. Amad was not as precious as Jones and accepted 16, a token gesture prior to a planned loan to Feyenoord that collapsed.
Jones was not listed on the United squad sheet on the back of programmes for almost the entirety of last season. It is still not official, but this time next week Jones will be a former Manchester United player and the number four will be vacant.
Varane is worthy of the '4' and the obvious occupant. Conveniently, Mason Mount's squad number at Chelsea is '19'. Exclusive: United list two players as must-sells Supporters are understandably eager for clarification on squad numbers.