Man Utd ‘delay squad numbers’ as they close on Pogba capture
Manchester United have delayed announcing their squad numbers for 2016/17 season – as they wait to finalise the signing of Paul Pogba.
United are reportedly close to snapping up the Juventus star for a world record £100million fee on a deal that could net the France star £202,000-a-week over the next five years.
The deal is expected to be finalised before the end of July, with the player hinting at a return to the club he has described as his ‘first family’.
United are now holding back releasing any more promotional material until the entire squad returns from their pre-season tour of China later this month.
Old Trafford chiefs want to make sure the Pogba deal is sealed before announcing the numbers for the coming season for replica shirt sales.
Pogba previously wore the number 15 shirt at Man Utd and that squad number currently remains free at Old Trafford. Pogba wore the number 15 shirt for France at Euro 2016, though wore No 10 for Juventus.
Wayne Rooney currently wears the No 10 shirt for United, having previously worn the No 8 shirt for the club upon his arrival from Everton in 2004.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic thought he was getting the number 8 shirt when he signed – currently worn by midfielder Juan Mata.
This has put the 28-year-old Spanish international’s future in further doubt, despite the player’s denials on Monday.
A United source told The Sun: “It would be very expensive for the club to release the squad numbers only for them to change.
“The club want to make sure all players are signed and sealed ahead of the coming season before they are announced to the world.”