Matthijs de Ligt Potential Reunion with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United: What Shirt Number Could He Wear?
Matthijs de Ligt is poised for a potential reunion with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
With his days at Bayern Munich seemingly numbered, the Red Devils are making significant efforts to bring the talented defender to Old Trafford.
If De Ligt does make the move from Bavaria to the northwest of England, what shirt number could he take? Here’s everything you need to know about De Ligt’s preferred shirt numbers, the options available at United right now, and more.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Shirt Number History
Unlike another Dutchman rumored to be joining United this summer, Joshua Zirkzee, De Ligt has shown a strong preference for specific shirt numbers throughout his career.
As a youth player at Ajax, the center-back wore the numbers 3, 4, and 6, which are fairly typical for a player in his position.
Upon his promotion to Ajax’s senior team at the age of 17, De Ligt was initially handed the number 36. However, this was quickly changed to his preferred number 4 just a year later.
Since then, number 4 has been De Ligt’s consistent choice at the club level, wearing it during his stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich.
For the Netherlands national team, De Ligt has donned the numbers 3, 4, and 14, with number 3 becoming his signature number for the Oranje.
Manchester United’s Available Shirt Numbers
De Ligt may find himself in luck if he joins United, as the club’s number 4 shirt is currently available.
Sofyan Amrabat wore it last season during his loan spell from Fiorentina, but with his future at United uncertain, the number 4 shirt is up for grabs.
If number 4 isn’t an option, De Ligt’s Netherlands number 3 is also free for his choosing. Additionally, other vacant numbers at United include 9, 13, 15, 19, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 38, 41, and 42.
As De Ligt considers a move to Manchester United, fans eagerly anticipate seeing which shirt number he will don if he reunites with Erik ten Hag and continues his impressive career at Old Trafford.
Matthijs de Ligt Potential Reunion with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United: What Shirt Number Could He Wear?