Kobbie Mainoo is Manchester United’s most exciting young player to emerge in years – already establishing himself as a regular.
This time last year Manchester United supporters were quietly hopeful that a talented young player named Kobbie Mainoo would begin to establish himself in the first team in 2023/24.
12 months on, and Mainoo is well ahead of schedule after an unstoppable rise. The teenager is now first choice in Manchester United’s midfield.
We know Mainoo is here to stay – but before you go out and order a ‘Mainoo 37’ shirt – could his squad number change next season?
Kobbie Mainoo squad number history
When Kobbie Mainoo made his debut for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in January 2023, he wore the number 73 shirt.
For the 2023/24 season the numbers flipped, Mainoo was handed the 37 squad number.
While he has the chance to make this number iconic, there is a strong chance Mainoo is given a more prominent number next season, for the long-term, to reflect his growing importance to the team.
Kobbie Mainoo squad number options for 2024/25
There are a few options in play for Manchester United to provide Kobbie Mainoo with a new squad number for the 2024/25 season and beyond.
While the club do not have to announce this until the season begins, they could make a decision around the time of the new kit launch, with Mainoo’s jersey expected to be a popular seller.
Firstly, United could keep Mainoo as number 37. It has served him well this season and he can really make it his own. But this would be an unusual decision long-term.
If the club decide to change Mainoo’s number, here is a look at a few possible options…
- 4 – Worn by loanee Sofyan Amrabat this season, Kobbie Mainoo could take it on. Midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Juan Veron have also worn it in the past.
- 6 – Currently worn by Lisandro Martinez, the Argentine could switch to 4, or 2 if Victor Lindelof is sold, freeing up Paul Pogba‘s old number for Mainoo.
- 14 – Christian Eriksen is expected to leave this summer which could lead to Mainoo taking on his jersey.
- 18 – Casemiro is another who could leave, freeing up the number previously worn by Bruno Fernandes and Paul Scholes.
- 19 – Now vacant after Raphael Varane‘s exit, Mainoo’s move to take his number could be an easy fit, not dependent on any other changes or transfer business.
- 20 – Diogo Dalot could be an option to move up Gary Neville‘s old 2 shirt if Lindelof leave, freeing up the 20 shirt.