Manchester United can offer FIVE inspiring shirt numbers to help entice January transfer targets

Manchester United can offer FIVE inspiring shirt numbers to help entice January transfer targets with the lure of following in the footsteps of David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Neville

  • Man United fans will be hoping of a few late Christmas presents in January 
  • Ralf Rangnick is looking to bring in stars capable of shaping the club’s future 
  • United’s history, fanbase and potential has plenty to entice potential targets
  • And these five available shirt numbers can also help lure would-be signings 


Christmas Day may be over but in just one short week Manchester United fans will be hoping for a few late presents when the January transfer window opens.

New interim boss Ralf Rangnick has a proven track record of finding and developing some of the world’s most exciting talents, and Red Devils fans hope that the German can unearth the next Sadio Mane or Erling Haaland at Old Trafford.

Rangnick has bigged up United’s size and stature, expressing his confusion as to why any player would want to leave the club given its history, fanbase and huge potential. 

And if any potential targets need any more convincing as to what’s on offer at Old Trafford, these five shirt numbers which are currently available could help entice stars to join the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick will be hoping to lure players this January

No 12

This number was last worn by Chris Smalling before the Englishman departed for AS Roma last year.

A whole host of other illustrious names have donned the No. 12 shirt, including Ray Wilkins, Sir Bobby Charlton, Steve Bruce and Paul Scholes.

Names of this stature could inspire potential signings to come and accept the task of filling those boots. 

The No 12 shirt was last worn by Chris Smalling, and Sir Bobby Charlton has also worn it

The No 12 shirt was last worn by Chris Smalling, and Sir Bobby Charlton has also worn it

No 15

The No 15 shirt is synonymous with legendary defender Nemanja Vidic, while no fewer than four members of the Class of 92 have also worn the jersey.

Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt have all taken the No 15 shirt at one point, names that will resonate with players that grew up idolising the Premier League.

Manchester United legend and former captain Nemanja Vidic long wore the No. 15 jersey

Manchester United legend and former captain Nemanja Vidic long wore the No. 15 jersey

No 24

Three of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders have taken the No 24 shirt, including Scholes, Beckham and Darren Fletcher – the latter is now the club’s sporting director and will hope to help Rangnick attract stars next month.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah owned this shirt from 2016 until his departure for German side Bayer Leverkusen this year. 

Darren Fletcher (right), Paul Scholes and David Beckham have shared the No. 24 shirt

Darren Fletcher (right), Paul Scholes and David Beckham have shared the No. 24 shirt

No 28

It seems like Beckham has worn almost every shirt on offer at Old Trafford and, yes, No 28 is another one the former England captain has donned with United.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique have also had the honour of pulling on the No 28 jersey for the Red Devils. 

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has taken the No 28 shirt before he returned to Catalonia

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has taken the No 28 shirt before he returned to Catalonia 

No 32

A slightly unorthodox number not typically associated with goal scorers, but one of United’s biggest stars who certainly divided the fanbase, wore the No 32.

Carlos Tevez spent four years at Old Trafford, scoring 34 goals in 99 games while helping the club to a Champions League trophy.

He departed for Manchester City in 2013, to much furore from Red Devils supporters, but his huge success with the No 32 may be enticing for would-be signings.  

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez scored plenty with the No 32 shirt before he moved to Man City

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez scored plenty with the No 32 shirt before he moved to Man City