Fabrizio Romano 'confirms' Rasmus Hojlund's Man Utd shirt number

Fabrizio Romano has 'confirmed' the shirt number that Rasmus Hojlund will wear at Manchester United this season.

The Denmark striker was officially announced as a United player on Saturday, completing a move from Atalanta for an initial £64 million.

He was unveiled in front of the Old Trafford faithful ahead of their friendly against Ligue 1 side Lens, which United won 3-1.

But supporters will have to wait for Hojlund's first appearance for the club, with the 20-year-old having suffered what has been described as a 'small issue' in pre-season training with his former side.

United are yet to announce the striker's shirt number, with the number nine already taken by Anthony Martial.

According to Romano, he will wear a different number for Erik ten Hag's side - one that is already taken by a first team player.

Fabrizio Romano 'confirms' Rasmus Hojlund Man Utd shirt number

Hojlund wore the shirt number 17 for his only season with Atalanta, and he went on to score nine goals in 32 Serie A appearances.

Romano claims that United want to allow the forward to keep some continuity following his move to Old Trafford, and will allow him to wear the same number.

1️⃣7️⃣🇩🇰

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2023

However, the number currently belongs to United midfielder Fred, who has worn 17 since he arrived at United in 2018.

But Romano has also reported that Ten Hag's side will sell the Brazilian, with a number of other clubs interested in securing his services this summer.

He wrote on Twitter: "Manchester United expect Fred sale to advance [this week]. Sources guarantee he will 100% leave the club."

Fellow Premier League club Fulham are said to be interested in signing the midfielder, but BBC Sport report that Marco Silva's side have yet to table a firm offer.

Should he go on to leave the club, Fred would likely become part of an exodus at Old Trafford, with Alex Telles having already left and Eric Bailly, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay among those linked with moves away.