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Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational return to Manchester United is set to be announced, completing an incredible transfer window for the Red Devils. The legendary forward is moving back to Old Trafford 12 years after departing in a then-world record move to Real Madrid.
The Portugal icon has joined Tom Heaton, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in arriving in an expensive summer outlay.
Ronaldo’s first spell at Old Trafford became synonymous with the No 7 shirt. However, Edinson Cavani occupies the number and the stipulations allowing a switch are complicated.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also make further additions to his squad if targets became available before Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Express Sport looks at the shirt numbers Ronaldo and any more signings could wear for the 20-times Premier League champions.
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No 21
The number is technically not free but several reports have suggested that Ronaldo’s arrival means Daniel James could join Leeds United in a permanent transfer.
A transfer to Leeds United from former club Swansea City broke down in January 2019, just over six months before the Wales international joined United.
The Guardian now claimed that the deal could be reprised. James, 23, has started twice this season but is unlikely to be handed regular football when Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford enter the picture.
It has also been suggested by French journalist Tanguy Le Seviller that Cavani could take No 21, which he has worn for Uruguay, and hand Ronaldo his iconic No 7.
Ander Herrera, Rafael and Diego Forlan are previous occupants of the number.
No 24
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s January transfer to Bayer Leverkusen left No 24 unoccupied.
The Dutchman’s United career had stalled following loan spells at both Crystal Palace and Fulham.
It is a number frequently worn by academy graduates at Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher was the incumbent from 2003 to 2015.
Wes Brown, David Beckham and Paul Scholes all had No 24 earlier in their United careers before switching to numbers with which their careers were more synonymous.
No 28
Ronaldo asked to wear No 28 when he first joined United in 2003. He recently recalled being ‘petrified’ when Sir Alex Ferguson handed him the No 7 instead.
“When I arrived at United, I asked for 28 but the coach said, ‘No, you will wear seven,’” Ronaldo said at a promotional event.
“I was petrified as I knew [David] Beckham wore that shirt. But I took on the challenge and since then it has been my lucky number. I have won everything in football with that shirt.”
Ronaldo had worn No 28 at Sporting Lisbon and expected to take the shirt at United.
The number is free due to Facundo Pellistri joining Alaves on loan. It has previously been worn by the likes of Angel Gomes, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anderson, Alex Buttner, Darron Gibson and Gerard Pique.
Other numbers available: 30, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38.
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