Manchester United have named Rasmus Hojlund as the club's latest No. 9, leaving the iconic No. 11 shirt vacant for one of Erik ten Hag's talented attackers to inherit this summer. Numerous big-name stars have donned the No. 11 down the years at Old Trafford, but Ryan Giggs' trophy-laden 24-year residency made it a much-desired honour.
United have three obvious candidates to take the shirt from Hojlund after his switch to now-free agent Anthony Martial's No. 9.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Express Sport takes a look at the trifecta of options as Ten Hag's squad begins to take shape.
Related articles
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee's shirt number hasn't yet been confirmed after his £36.5million move from Bologna earlier this month.
There's probably a reason for that. It's almost as if United were waiting for Hojlund to return to Carrington for pre-season so he could officially vacate the No. 11...
Zirkzee will play an important role under Ten Hag, and he wore the shirt number as he impressed at Bologna last season.
Plus, the 23-year-old has already publicly admitted that he would likely take the No. 11 shirt if Hojlund made the switch to No. 9 as expected.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho was many supporters' pick to wear the No. 7 shirt after it was vacated by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2022/23 season.
But that honour went to Mason Mount last summer when he joined from Chelsea in a £60m deal - a somewhat surprising development considering the rich history of wingers wearing the No. 7 at United.
Garnacho upgraded from the No. 49 to the No. 17 and enjoyed a superb season, making 50 appearances and starting United's last 38 games.
He may face disappointment if he's been eyeing up the No. 11 shirt this summer after Zirkzee's arrival, but it would be a popular pick by the club.
Related articles
Amad
Amad has a big season ahead. Ten Hag has made no secret of that. And while he's a strong outsider to become United's new No. 11, he may well be in the conversation.
The 22-year-old is primed to battle Garnacho and Antony for a starting berth on the right wing and has already made his mark in pre-season, netting a delightful strike against Rangers on Saturday.
Currently United's No. 16, Amad could be in line for a shirt number more fitting for a winger if he continues his upwards trajectory.
But the decision to hand him the No. 11 shirt ahead of Garnacho and Zirkzee would undoubtedly turn heads, for now.
