Juan Mata has joked with team-mate Bruno Fernandes that he will have to wait for the number 8 shirt at Manchester United.
The Spaniard recently penned a new deal which will keep him at Old Trafford for another season.
Mata is now into his ninth year as a Red Devil, having moved from Chelsea in January 2014.
He continues to wear number 8 - the same number Fernandes wore during his Sporting Lisbon days.
The Portuguese star even has the number in his Twitter handle, but Mata has joked with him that his wait will go on.
"At least another year!," he joked when asked about how long his team-mate will have to wait.
"I think he's happy that I'm staying and I'm happy to be playing with him. We've got a great relationship since he came and, of course, he's been brilliant for us on and off the pitch. He's also a great guy and an example for others.
"Unfortunately for him, he will have to be patient!"
Fernandes will have to continue wearing the 18 shirt for now.
Mata made less than 20 appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last term.
Despite that he remains a popular figure in the dressing room and has tasted success at Old Trafford previously.
However the 33-year-old insists he had to weigh up his options being deciding whether or not to stay.
“No, to be honest, you have to think about it," he said after signing his extension.
“Of course, because I was a free agent at the end of my contract and, as is normal in the football world, you receive some calls from different clubs and think about maybe potential new stages in your career but, on the other hand, the feeling of being at this club and especially because of how last season went, probably the most difficult season in my life, it didn’t feel natural to me to leave that way.
“Of course, also I’m staying because I still believe I can give so much to the team and I think the club believes the same.
“I’m very, very hopeful and excited to still win trophies here. It’s very special to be a player at this club and it’s even more special to win trophies and that’s why I’m here and all the players are here.”
He also added: “I didn’t know that it was the ninth [season] already, but time flies. Of course I’ve lived many good moments at this club, other difficult ones, but yes, I’m staying and I’m very much looking forward for what I hope will be a good season for the team and for myself.”
