Fernandes follows in footsteps of Man United legends as he gets new shirt number

He has been wearing the No.18 since he joined the club - but has been waiting to get his hands on his new shirt number ever since he arrived in 2020.

Juan Mata has been occupying it since 2015, when he signed for the club from Chelsea but, after the Spaniard's contract expired earlier this summer, the number was vacant.

"I guess I'll have to wait for the number 8 another year…" Fernandes cheekily tweeted after Mata signed a new one-year deal in 2021.

"Congrats brother!! Well deserved! An example and an inspiration on and off the pitch."

And after Mata told his midfield colleague to "be patient", Fernandes has finally been handed the shirt he wore with Udinese, Sporting CP and the national team.

He also has the number tattooed on his arm, having been born on September 8, 1994.

The Portuguese midfielder added to the announcement when he posted a video of himself potting an eight-ball on social media.

Fernandes signed a new long-term contract with the club in April and is said to be relishing the opportunity to work under new boss Erik ten Hag.

And the 27-year-old is the latest in a long list of Man United legends to wear the No.8, including Sir Bobby Charlton, Ray Wilkins, Paul Ince, Nicky Butt, Wayne Rooney, and Mata.

The Red Devils have also confirmed that new signing Tyrell Malacia will wear the No.12 shirt.