Premier League giants Manchester United have, on Thursday, unveiled a pair of changes to the club’s squad list for the 2022/23 campaign.
First up comes Bruno Fernandes.
Portuguese international Fernandes, of course, has donned the number 18 since sealing a big-money move to Old Trafford in the winter of 2020.
Next time out, though, the midfield creator will take to the pitch with a new number emblazoned across the back of his jersey, in the form of the fabled no.8.
Seasons past had seen the 8 shirt occupied by Juan Mata.
On the back of the Spaniard’s free agent departure this summer, though, it should come as little surprise to hear of Fernandes taking on the mantle of United’s no.8, a jersey he previously claimed at both Udinese and Sporting CP.
The 27-year-old even sports a tattoo featuring his favourite number on his right arm.
It was meant to be… ??
Introducing our new number 8️⃣: @B_Fernandes8! ?#MUFC pic.twitter.com/ogkg96WgL8
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2022
As alluded to above, though, Fernandes was not the only member of Erik ten Hag’s ranks to have seen his squad number for the upcoming season confirmed on Thursday.
Joining the Portuguese international was new signing Tyrell Malacia, a recent defensive recruit from his home country of the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old, it has been revealed, will take on the number 12 jersey – previously sported by the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Neville – across his debut campaign in Manchester.
Suits you, @B_Fernandes8 ?❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2022
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