Ahead of next season, Manchester United could reunite midfield star Bruno Fernandes with his more familiar number eight shirt. However, the possibility of the number eight becoming available will depend on whether or not Juan Mata decides to extend his contract.
That’s according to the Mirror, who claims that should Mata opt to leave the club this summer, then Fernandes could take up the Spaniard’s old number.
Fernandes has worn the number 18 shirt since his arrival from Portugal 18-months ago.
However, prior to joining the Red Devils, the 26-year-old midfielder had worn the number eight shirt at both Sporting Lisbon and Udinese.
Mata has occupied the number eight for many seasons now, however, with the midfielder attracting interest from teams in both La Liga and the MLS, it is entirely possible that the veteran may move on in the coming weeks.
Interestingly though, the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has recently revealed that the club has opened talks with the 33-year-old over a possible contract extension.
It is understood that the decision to stay or go will be left to the player himself though.
Would you like to see Fernandes pull on the number eight shirt next season? – Let us know in the comments.
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Bruno should be number 8 cavani should be number9 and sancho should be number 7