Fernandes changes shirt number

The Portugal international switches from no.18 ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and will wear his new jersey during Tour 2022.

He had previously joked last season with Mata that the Spaniard's new deal had delayed him getting hold of his favourite number, which prompted Juan to issue a cheerful response.

However, Bruno suggested he has always wanted to take on no.8, which he has had with Udinese, Sporting and the national team, when Mata left.

Fernandes has a number eight tattoo on his arm and was born on that day in September in 1994. The attacking midfielder signed a new long-term contract with Reds in April and will be relishing getting to work under new manager Erik ten Hag.

He is set to feature in the opening match of the tour next Tuesday, against Liverpool in Bangkok, with all of the pre-season games live on MUTV.

Since squad numbers were introduced in 1993/94, rather than the traditional 1 to 11, Paul Ince was the first to wear eight but it was not used following his departure to Internazionale for a season, until Nicky Butt graduated into that position.

Wayne Rooney filled the shirt admirably upon his arrival from Everton but, when he switched to no.10 in 2007/08, Brazilian midfielder Anderson became the fourth permanent recipient. 

Mata wore it from 2015 onwards, following his arrival from Chelsea.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that new signing Tyrell Malacia will wear the no.12 shirt for United. 

The 22-year-old's move to the club from Feyenoord was announced on Tuesday and he is now set to don the number for the first time as a Red during Tour 2022.