Memphis Depay‘s Manchester United shirt still remains a mystery – despite the Dutch winger wearing the No.26 in pre-season training this week.
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On Monday, the Red Devils returned for pre-season training at the club’s Carrington training ground – where it was believed that the Netherlands international had revealed his squad number for next season, having signed for the Premier League giants in May.
As reported by the Mirror, the 21-year-old was snapped with the No.26 on his training gear, and there was much controversy given the number hasn’t produced much luck for those who have been handed it before.
The British newspaper noted Shinji Kagawa, Gabriel Obertan and Mateus Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves – who were all previously Manchester United’s No.26 – whose careers at Old Trafford failed to reach the heights expected of them.
Nonetheless, there could be good news for the club’s fans, as Manchester Evening News journalist, Stuart Mathieson, claims that he has been informed that Depay’s squad number is yet to be confirmed – and it is unlikely to be 26.
Told Depay probably not going to be No.26. That was just his training number. Given Kagawa fate in shirt think Memphis will be happy #mufc
— Stuart Mathieson (@StuMathiesonMEN) July 8, 2015
The former PSV Eindhoven star fuelled speculation – before arriving in Manchester – when he sent a tweet with the hashtag #M7, suggesting that he may have his eye on the shirt formerly worn by Old Trafford hero Cristiano Ronaldo and is now held by Angel Di Maria.
I want to thank everyone for the nice messages. Looking forward to see you guys in Manchester… #M7pic.twitter.com/t9qH24GQWx
— Memphis (@Memphis) May 8, 2015
If reports prove correct, the No.7 jersey may become vacant within the coming months, as Di Maria has today been linked to Arsenal [via the Telegraph] and Bayern Munich [via The Guardian].