Bruno Fernandes was forced to compromise on his favourite shirt number upon his Manchester United arrival - but he could now finally be set for his dream jersey.
Fernandes has worn the no.18 shirt at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting in January 2020. He has been United's talisman in that number and despite an underwhelming second full campaign, he still salvaged 10 Premier League goals.
The Portuguese playmaker is set for a prominent role in new boss Erik ten Hag's plans, particularly after the exit of three of United's most creative stars. The Red Devils have already announced the exit of academy graduates Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard ahead of the expiry of the duo's contracts this summer. Meanwhile, Juan Mata has become the latest high-profile star to confirm his exit, with the Spaniard set to also leave on a free transfer.
Mata announced his departure after an eight-year spell in Manchester following his move from Chelsea in 2014. He left after becoming accustomed to playing a limited role in the squad, but was a fan-favourite at the club and was part of three trophy successes.
While popular Mata's exit will sadden those at Old Trafford, his no.8 shirt becoming vacant is set to prove a silver lining for Fernandes. Mata has been United's no.8 since joining David Moyes' side in 2014, and his exit gives 27-year-old Fernandes the chance to claim his perfect shirt number.
Fernandes played in the jersey for old clubs Udinese and Sporting and even has the number tattooed on his forearm, showcasing its importance to him. He had previously taken the no.18 previously worn by former captain Ashley Young, and more notably club legend Paul Scholes, while the no.8 shirt was not vacant.
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"There are a lot of reasons for the No. 18," Fernandes said after choosing the shirt after his signing. "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 [date] and it's the number I like.
"No. 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 have a lot of responsibility."
Fernandes signed a new four-year contract before Ten Hag was announced as United's next manager and will aim to drive the Dutchman's revolution at Old Trafford next season. But he will also expect several new signings to boost chances of success in the new era after Mata, Pogba and Lingard joined ageing first-team stars Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic out of the exit door.
