Raphael Varane will not be taking the No.4 shirt at Manchester United, according to reports.
The Frenchman's move from Real Madrid was agreed in principle at the end of July but hasn't yet been officially announced.
Varane had to wait for a visa and the announcement was delayed further by him needing to quarantine upon his arrival in the UK.
But after he underwent a medical, the official confirmation is imminent and United will soon provide all the details regarding the £41 million deal.
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However, the 28-year-old will receive an "unexpected" shirt number according to Stretty News.
He's wore both the No.2 and No.5 shirts for Real Madrid but his preference is the No.4, which he regularly sports for the France national team.
Phil Jones has worn No.4 for United for just over ten years now since his switch from Blackburn Rovers and despite the former England defender not featuring since January 2020, it's said his number won't be getting passed on.
The No.16, previously worn by Michael Carrick and Roy Keane, is free - while the No.12 could also be an option. The number has been vacant ever since Chris Smalling left United for Roma in a loan deal that was made permanent.
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Fellow summer signing Jadon Sancho, a £73 million capture from Borussia Dortmund, also took a surprising shirt number.
Many had predicted the England star would take on the No.17 but he has instead inherited the No.25 that was most recently worn by Odion Ighalo at Old Trafford.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Manchester United, Phil Jones, Premier League, Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
