Zirkzee’s squad number announced

The 23-year-old striker arrived at Old Trafford in July from Serie A outfit Bologna, having previously turned out for Bayern Munich and Feyenoord in his youth, and takes on this squad slot in his first campaign for the Reds.

Zirkzee could get his first chance to appear with the number on his back when United take on Manchester City in the Community Shield if selected by his new boss, and fellow Dutchman, Erik ten Hag.

He takes the squad place from Rasmus Hojlund, who will wear another iconic shirt, no.9.

The most recognisable custodian of the number in United’s history is, of course, Ryan Giggs, who still holds the record for the most appearances for the club with 963 outings, the vast majority of which he completed with no.11 on his back.

Giggs is not the only legendary Red to don the shirt, however, as it has also been worn by the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Sammy McIlroy and Lee Sharpe in the past.

Although often associated with other squad numbers, all three of George Best, Denis Law and Charlton – the trio immortalised in the famous Holy Trinity statue outside Old Trafford – wore the number at various points in their career. It was actually the shirt Best before becoming more prominently linked with the no.7.

It’s a shirt that carries with it a lot of history at the Theatre of Dreams, so it is a strong show of faith that it has been bestowed upon Zirkzee on his arrival in Manchester.