Romelu Lukaku is set for a new squad number.
Having sported the No. 10 shirt at Everton since making his loan deal a permanent one in 2014, the 24-year-old will change things up once his transfer to Manchester United is confirmed.
Some had suggested that Lukaku and Rooney would be something of a straight swap in the squad number department. Rooney vacated the United No. 10 shirt at the weekend and picked up the No. 10 that Lukaku left free at Goodison Park.
🔟 | @WayneRooney will wear the number 10 shirt for our 2017/18 campaign. #WelcomeHomeWayne
Get yours now: https://t.co/vpNcHeoGRh pic.twitter.com/9IP6UUsL3m
— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017
But rather than claim Rooney’s former number, Lukaku is understood to have been handed the No. 9 shirt at Old Trafford.
NBC’s Philip Brown secured an interview with the Belgium international after he completed a medical ahead of his move to the Red Devils.
And while the interview has yet to be broadcast, the presenter seemingly made Lukaku’s new squad number public early on Monday morning.
In our interview with Lukaku on @BeyondthePitch @NBCSportsSoccer @RomeluLukaku9 reveals what number he will wear & why he chose Utd.
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) July 9, 2017
People claiming Lukaku will wear the number 10 shirt are false. He won't.
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) July 10, 2017
@RomeluLukaku9 welcome to @ManUtd #newnumber9
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) July 10, 2017
Manchester United’s No. 9 shirt has something of a mixed history.
It was most recently worn by fan favourite Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, before him, Anthony Martial.
Other notable wearers of the No. 9 at Old Trafford over the years include Andy Cole, Louis Saha and Dimitar Berbatov while United supporters will want to forget that season when Radamel Falcao sported the number on his back.
