New Man United signing and other explanations for surprising Rasmus Hojlund change

A new season is just around the corner for Manchester United and anticipation is building for what is hoped to be a much improved campaign.

As Ineos and Erik ten Hag work to assemble their squads, all eyes are on the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States for hints as to how the Reds will attack the new campaign. One major hint as to where a player stands in the pecking order of the club comes when shirt numbers are announced.

A high number in the squad (unless for a personal reason) is often an indicator that you are unlikely to be called upon as a regular first-team member next season. Of course, Kobbie Mainoo managed to buck that trend last season but those examples are few and far between.

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One man receiving an upgrade this summer is Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane wore the No.11 shirt last season but a tweet from the Reds' account on Wednesday afternoon suggested he was set for an upgrade with the numbers crossed out of 'RH11'.

It transpired that Hojlund will now wear the No.9 shirt but what could be the reason for this? MEN Sport has taken a look at the three most likely scenarios.

The most likely explanation is that Hojlund has merely received an upgrade as part of his growing stature in the squad. When he arrived from Atalanta, the No.9 shirt was held by Anthony Martial but since the Frenchman's departure that is now free.

Hojlund is likely to be United's leading striker next season so it makes sense he would wear the No.9 albeit he has not worn it since representing Sturm Graz. At Atalanta he was No.17.

Playing into the Hojlund upgrade theory is the fact United need to assign a number for new signing Joshua