Man Utd potential shirt numbers available to Frenkie De Jong, including midfielder’s favourite

With reports that Manchester United could be ready to submit a new bid for the Dutchman, we look at which squad numbers could be available to him at the club.
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Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

It is believed the 25-year-old is the Red Devils’ top transfer target, with recent reports stating United plan to up their offer in the coming days.

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Capable of shielding a back four, retaining possession and also motoring forward with the ball, De Jong would be a statement signing from the club as they begin the Erik ten Hag era, especially without being able to offer him Champions League football.

Erik ten Hag is yet to complete a signing since taking over at United. Credit: Getty.Erik ten Hag is yet to complete a signing since taking over at United. Credit: Getty.
Erik ten Hag is yet to complete a signing since taking over at United. Credit: Getty.

Should the former Ajax man complete a move to Old Trafford, expect his name to be the most popular when it comes to printing on the back of the club’s new 2022/23 jersey.

Increasingly, shirt numbers are seen as highly marketable assets, with United permitted to hand Cristiano Ronaldo the No.7 jersey last term despite Edinson Cavani wearing it already that season. Meanwhile, giving Erling Haaland the No.9 shirt is believed to have held up his arrival at Manchester City.

But which shirt number would De Jong take if he were to join United, and is his ideal number available?

What is De Jong’s preferred number?

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At Ajax, Barcelona and for the Netherlands, De Jong prefers one number: 21.

De Jong prefers the No.21 shirt. Credit: Getty.De Jong prefers the No.21 shirt. Credit: Getty.
De Jong prefers the No.21 shirt. Credit: Getty.

The midfielder wears it in honour of his late grandfather who passed away on his 21st birthday.

"I could easily play with another number, you know, it’s not a problem, but it is nice that it also gives people a way of recognising me,” De Jong previously said.

Who wears 21 at United?

Thankfully for United’s potential new recruit, no-one currently occupies that jersey in the Old Trafford dressing room.

Cavani wore 21 last season for United. Credit: Getty.Cavani wore 21 last season for United. Credit: Getty.
Cavani wore 21 last season for United. Credit: Getty.
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It was the number given to Cavani last season when he handed Ronaldo the No.7, with Daniel James starting the 2021/22 campaign wearing 21 before his move to Leeds United.

It means De Jong’s shirt number is unlikely to be a sticking point in any negotiations with the Red Devils.

Which other numbers are available?

In the unlikely event that De Jong opts to take another number, he has a great selection for a centre-midfielder.

Six and eight, the traditional jerseys in that position, are free following the departure of the previous holders: Paul Pogba and Juan Mata.

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Shirts 12, 14 and 15 are also available, meaning any new United signings this summer will have ample selection.

Full list of squad numbers available: 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 21, 24, 28 & 30, 31, 32, 35, 38, 40.