Carlos Baleba Manchester United shirt number revealed

Manchester United’s summer rebuild has taken shape gradually across multiple positions.

Michael Carrick’s midfield overhaul has been one of the standout stories of the transfer window so far.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already settled into life at Old Trafford following their respective arrivals.

Squad number announcements have become one of the more eagerly anticipated moments whenever a new signing completes their move.

Supporters have been speculating for days over which shirt United’s latest addition might end up wearing.

Carlos Baleba will wear the No.20 shirt once his move to Manchester United is finalised, as Sam C reports on X.

David Ornstein reported that United are closing in on the signing of the Brighton midfielder for an initial £65million fee.

Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed a verbal agreement worth £70million in total, including £65million guaranteed and a further £5million in add-ons.

Carlos Baleba has been granted permission to undergo his medical, though an ankle issue is expected to delay his Old Trafford debut by several weeks.

He is set to become the fourth midfield addition of the summer, following Santos, Tielemans and goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Santos and Tielemans have already claimed the No.17 and No.18 shirts respectively since joining the club.

At Brighton, Baleba currently wears the No.17, a number unavailable to him following Santos’ arrival.

He has previously worn the No.20 during his time at the Amex Stadium, and that number is now vacant at United after Diogo Dalot’s switch to the No.2.

The No.20 shirt carries considerable history at Old Trafford, having previously been worn by both Robin van Persie and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Baleba’s move follows a lengthy pursuit, with United previously priced out of a deal by Brighton’s valuation in excess of £100million.

His form dipped for spells last season amid the constant speculation over a switch to Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo is understood to have played a role behind the scenes, encouraging his fellow Cameroon international to push for the move.

The pair grew closer during international duty as Cameroon pursued World Cup qualification.

United face Manchester City on September 13 and Fulham on September 20 before the international break, giving Baleba time to settle before a likely debut.

Carrick will be hopeful his new midfielder can make an instant impact once he’s back to full fitness.