Manchester United has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will take over the vacant number 8 jersey worn by Juan Mata since his arrival at Chelsea in 2015. Manchester United confirmed that the midfielder will have his name printed on the number when the club begins it’s your this year.
Fernandes has a number eight tattoo on his arm and was born on that day in September 1994. The attacking midfielder signed a new long-term contract with Reds in April and will be relishing getting to work under new manager Erik ten Hag.
He is set to figure in the opening match of the tour next Tuesday, against Liverpool in Bangkok, with all of the pre-season games live on MUTV.
Since squad numbers were introduced in 1993/94, rather than the traditional 1 to 11, Paul Ince was the first to wear eight but it was not used following his departure to Internazionale for a season until Nicky Butt graduated into that position.
Wayne Rooney filled the shirt admirably upon his arrival from Everton but, when he switched to no.10 in 2007/08, Brazilian midfielder Anderson became the fourth permanent recipient.