Bruno Fernandes could be set to change his Manchester United shirt number.
The Portugal international has been nothing short of a revelation wearing the No.18 on the back at United, scoring 26 goals and assisting a further 19 in 51 Premier League appearances.
Fernandes made the PFA Team of the Year following a series of talismanic displays for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as they finished second.
His importance to United cannot be overstated but The Mirror are reporting that Fernandes may be in line for a squad number change this summer.
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| Image: PA |
Fernandes’ favourite number is the #8 he has worn for both Udinese and Sporting CP in the past – and he even has the digtit tattooed on his arm.
Former Spain international Juan Mata has occupied the No.8 shirt since Fernandes arrived in January 2020 but is out of contract this summer.
Bruno Fernandes is looking at Manchester United famous No:8 shirt for next season but only if Juan Mata leaves the club this summer. 🔴 #MUFC #MUFC_FAMILY #ManUtd #Transfers
— Transfers – MUFC🔰✍️ (@transfers_utd) June 5, 2021
he 33-year-old is in talks over a new deal and was not one of the eight players released by United on Friday.
However, if is unable to agree a new contract then the No.8 will become vacant and everything would point towards Fernandes inheriting it.
“There are a lot of reasons for the no.18,” Fernandes told United’s official website when he joined.
“It’s a number I like. The last three years I have played as No.8 because it’s the number my father had as a player and my birthday and it’s the number I like.
“Number 18 is also the birthday of my wife and another reason is, when I grew up, I saw Paul Scholes playing in it and for me having this shirt and this number of an amazing player is something I will enjoy. I know I have a lot of responsibility.”
United do have the option to extend Mata’a stay at Old Trafford for another year and are in the middle of negotiations. His last contract, signed in 2019, was reportedly worth a whopping £140,000-a-week.
Juan Mata in talks over contract extension at #MUFC
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) June 4, 2021
The former Chelsea man has been reduced to a limited role at United in recent years and made a mere nine appearances in the Premier League last term – with just six coming from the start.