18 Manchester United players handed new shirt numbers

Manchester United have handed 18 players new shirt numbers as preparations continue for the club’s return to Champions League football.

Michael Carrick’s side face Sabah FK at Old Trafford tonight in what will be United’s first appearance in the competition since December 2023.

There have already been some significant number changes around the first team this season.

The biggest involved Marcus Rashford, who was handed the prestigious number nine shirt after returning to the club.

Andrey Santos took number 17, Youri Tielemans was given 18 and Karl Darlow received number 12 following his arrival.

Meanwhile, latest first-team signing Carlos Baleba will be wearing number 20 when he returns from injury.

However, another batch of changes has emerged involving 18 United players, with several moving away from the higher academy-style numbers they previously wore.

The changes were revealed on the same day as United’s Champions League and Youth League opener, making it another small but interesting development around Carrington.

Manchester United players handed new numbers

The 18 players are members of Manchester United’s academy setup, with the new numbers revealed by UnitedByNumbers on X during the UEFA Youth League clash with Sabah FK earlier today.

United’s Under-19s faced Sabah several hours before the senior teams meet at Old Trafford tonight.

Yuel Helafu moved from 89 to 46, while Jim Thwaites switched from 77 to 51 and Cristian Orozco was handed 58.

Bendito Mantato now wears 62, with Jaume Camacho taking 64 and Godwill Kukonki moving from 72 to 65.

Albert Mills was given 66, Charlie Hardy 67, Cameron Byrne-Hughes 68 and Noah Ajayi 70.

Jacob Watson moved from 82 to 71, Jariyah Shah from 83 to 72 and Jayden Ngwashi from 84 to 73.

Jay McEvoy was handed 74, Rafe McCormack 75 and Nathaniel-Junior Brown 76.

Camron Mpofu received number 80, while Amir Ibragimov moved from 73 to 88.

The changes do not necessarily indicate imminent first-team promotion, but lower numbers can often reflect a player’s growing status within the wider academy structure.

With United back in Europe and competing across several competitions, some of these youngsters could yet find themselves pushed closer to senior involvement as the season develops.