Manchester United have confirmed the squad’s shirt numbers for the 2026/27 season. The Red Devils had a disappointing start to the new campaign, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
United upgraded their goalkeeping department this summer by signing Karl Darlow, who joined as a free agent. INEOS also bolstered the midfield this summer by adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Michael Carrick’s squad.
Both midfielders started the game against the Tigers this weekend, while Darlow was an unused substitute on the bench. Much was expected of Tielemans, who is coming off a Europa League-winning campaign with Aston Villa, but the Belgian failed to impress.
Ahead of the tie, the Red Devils announced the shirt numbers for the season and there were a couple of surprises.
New signings’ shirt numbers already confirmed
The shirt numbers of the new signings have previously been announced and these were confirmed once again on Saturday. Darlow has been handed the No. 12 shirt, previously worn by Tyrell Malacia, who left this summer as a free agent.
Santos wears the No. 17, while Tielemans has picked up the legendary No. 18, which Casemiro wore with aplomb during his four-season stay. Another new signing, Tynan Thompson, has been given the No. 27 shirt.
Meanwhile, it was also previously announced that Senne Lammens is the new No. 1 at Old Trafford. The Belgian custodian, who arrived at Old Trafford last summer, wore the No. 31 shirt last season.
Marcus Rashford to wear No. 9
Among the biggest shirt number changes is that of Marcus Rashford, who spent the last 18 months out on loan but has returned to Old Trafford this summer. The Englishman had a fallout with former head coach Ruben Amorim and initially joined Aston Villa in a temporary deal in January 2025.
Rashford moved to Barcelona on loan last season, but the Catalans opted against triggering a purchase option in his contract. Carrick has since taken the decision to reintegrate the 28 year old into his squad and the player even came off the bench against Hull City.
Rashford was handed the coveted No. 10 shirt at Old Trafford in the summer of 2018 and wore that number until his temporary exit last year. Matheus Cunha is the new owner of that shirt, and the Englishman has subsequently been handed the No. 9 shirt for the 2026/27 season.
The number was last worn by Rasmus Hojlund, who left Old Trafford last summer to join Napoli, initially on loan before the move was made permanent this year.
Shea Lacey handed No. 31
Another player who will be wearing a new shirt number this year is young Shea Lacey, who has caught the eye in pre-season. The teenager broke into the senior side last season, donning the No. 46 shirt and was quite impressive.
The academy graduate’s eye for a pass and trickery make him an exciting addition to United’s squad. Lacey’s emergence is also in line with the Red Devils’ proud tradition of promoting youth.
The Englishman has been handed the No. 31 shirt, which has been vacated by Lammens, for the 2026/27 season.
United squad number for 2026/27 Season
| Squad Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Senne Lammens |
| 2 | Diogo Dalot |
| 3 | Noussair Mazraoui |
| 4 | Matthijs de Ligt |
| 5 | Harry Maguire |
| 6 | Lisandro Martinez |
| 7 | Mason Mount |
| 8 | Bruno Fernandes |
| 9 | Marcus Rashford |
| 10 | Matheus Cunha |
| 11 | Joshua Zirkzee |
| 12 | Karl Darlow |
| 13 | Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu |
| 15 | Leny Yoro |
| 16 | Amad |
| 17 | Andrey Santos |
| 18 | Youri Tielemans |
| 19 | Bryan Mbeumo |
| 22 | Tom Heaton |
| 23 | Luke Shaw |
| 25 | Manuel Ugarte |
| 26 | Ayden Heaven |
| 27 | Tynan Thompson |
| 30 | Benjamin Šeško |
| 31 | Shea Lacey |
| 37 | Kobbie Mainoo |
| 38 | Jack Fletcher |
| 39 | Tyler Fletcher |
| 41 | Harry Amass |
| 43 | Toby Collyer |
| 45 | Dermot Mee |
| 77 | JJ Gabriel |
Final Thoughts
Recent reports suggest that United are close to securing the services of Carlos Baleba this summer, and it remains to be seen which shirt number he will be handed. Optimistic fans will hope that the Cameroonian will pick up the No. 21 and guide the Red Devils to the 21st league title.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
