Bruno Fernandes has finally got his hands on Manchester United's number 8 shirt ahead of the 2022-23 season - and the jersey's former occupant, Juan Mata, has had his say on the news.
Mata's eight-year stay at Old Trafford came to an end this summer as he moved on following the expiry of his contract, allowing Fernandes to switch from 18 - which he had worn since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon two-and-a-half years ago - to his preferred 8.
In a tweet on Saturday, Mata - who scored 51 goals in 285 United appearances - joked:
"He told me he was sad the day he knew we weren't going to keep playing together... but I think he was quite happy."
The FA introduced set squad numbers in 1993; Fernandes will become United's 10th number 8 after Mata, Anderson, Wayne Rooney (he wasn't always their number 10, you know), Nicky Butt, Keith Gillespie, Neil Webb, Mark Robins and Ryan Giggs.
Explaining his affinity for the number 8 - which he has tattooed on his right arm - in an interview with the official club website upon joining United, the Portugal star said:
"The last three years I have played as number 8 because it’s the number my father had as a player and my birthday and it’s the number I like."
