Bruno Fernandes has finally completed his long-awaited move to Manchester United, but what shirt number will he wear at his new club?
The 25-year-old had signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12-month extension, in a deal worth an initial £46.6million.
Sporting Lisbon bid farewell to their no.8 earlier on Thursday, but the midfielder cannot wear the same number in his new colours.
Fernandes started his career with the no.32 at Novara Calcio in 2012, inheriting the same number at Udinese before moving to no.8 and no.7 at Stadio Friulli.
A move to Sampdoria brought another new number, donning the no.10 for his sole season there.
Of those numbers, just no.32 is vacant, though Alexis Sanchez's no.7 is currently going free with the Chilean on loan at Inter Milan.
Juan Mata wears no.8 and Marcus Rashford wears no.10.
January exits of Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young have freed up no.16 and no.18, respectively. In the same number range, no.11 is also free and may appeal.
The favouite is no.7, the most famous shirt number in United's history, previously worn by club legends George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
Upon confirmation of the transfer, Fernandes said Ronaldo sparked his love of the club during his compatriot's highly successful spell at Old Trafford.
However, handing Fernandes the no.7 shirt would raises further questions over the future of Alexis, however, who was handed the no.7 squad number following his arrival from Arsenal in January 2018.
