New Manchester United signing Wout Weghorst has finally selected the shirt that he will wear for the rest of the season after his move to Old Trafford was confirmed: the number 27.
Weghorst completed his long-awaited switch on Friday night, signing on loan from Burnley for the rest of the campaign. The striker spent the first half of the season at Besiktas, but United were able to come to an agreement to end that deal and sign the Dutchman.
The Netherlands international will add much-needed depth in attack, with that department becoming low on options after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. Weghorst's squad number at United was not immediately revealed when his move was confirmed.
But photos emerged on Sunday of Weghorst at Old Trafford taking his official unveiling images. And in those pictures, the striker could be seen wearing the number 27 shirt, a jersey that was previously vacant.
The last two players to wear the number may present something of a warning sign for Weghorst, though. The most recent occupant was Alex Telles, who wore it over the last two seasons at United before he joined Sevilla on loan in the summer.
Before the left-back, the number 27 shirt was owned by Mauroane Fellani for three years ahead of his move to China. The duo are largely considered transfer flops, with Telles' future at Old Trafford when his loan ends unclear and Fellaini failing to impress.
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But Weghorst has shown no fear of those bad omens and taken on the challenge of breaking with recent history. Due to the late confirmation of the deal, he was not available to feature in the win over Manchester City on Saturday.
He could instead make his debut against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, with United having the chance to climb into second in the table. And the Red Devils' latest signing is relishing the prospect of pulling on his new shirt.
"I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United. I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt," Weghorst said upon his arrival.
"I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims. Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here.
"I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away."
Boss Ten Hag is also keen to get to work with his new striker following his side's statement win over fierce rivals City on Saturday.
“He is a striker, and we had an open position there to fill in. I think in the balance of the offensive [players], he really fits in. I am really happy, and I don't think we had the type what he is. Most importantly, he can score goals from everywhere," he said.
"He was always a surprise at every club, in every league. That is also what I expect here. For here, I expect a team player and someone who can link up, a player who will do his defending work and we are really happy to sign him."
