11 Manchester United players deserve a squad number upgrade this summer

It's destined to be a summer of change at Manchester United.

The appointment of Erik ten Hag brings with it the hope of a new era after United endured their worst campaign in the Premier League era, finishing on just 58 points. The new manager will need several recruits to stamp his ideals onto the side as well as to offset the losses from the expected clearout.

United have a potential exodus on their hands this summer as Nemanja Matic and the now-retired Lee Grant have both confirmed their departures, while Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are all set to follow them out of the door when their contracts expire. Juan Mata could also leave on a free though a decision has not yet been confirmed.

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Additionally, Dean Henderson is closing in on a move to Newcastle United, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is free to leave and the futures of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and even Cristiano Ronaldo remain up in there. United could see over 10 players leave the club this summer which would result in plenty of squad numbers becoming available again.

Owing to United's bloated squad, there have been few options available for new signings when they go to choose their shirt number, with many being left unsatisfied after being unable to get their favourite or being stranded on a high number. With the season now over, designated squad numbers can now be changed again and several players deserve, and could well receive, an upgrade before the next campaign begins.

The player hoping for one the most may well be Bruno Fernandes. The United talisman has been No.18 since he joined the club in 2020 but his favourite number is No.8.