Manchester United fans BLOCKED from buying one shirt number

Manchester United fans scrambling to secure next season’s home shirt with their favourite player’s name on the back may have been left scratching their heads.

The kit, made up of a pattern of Lancashire roses, was officially unveiled on Tuesday morning, with Marcus Rashford and Casemiro among those modelling the jersey. 

Those desperate to be among the first to pick up the latest design were disrupted outside Old Trafford due to a protest over the club’s protracted takeover saga.

But even supporters able to make it inside the stadium or on the online store weren’t able to choose from the full collection, with one number in particular missing.

Indeed, it has been revealed that Alejandro Garnacho’s No 49 top is not available for printing online, with the club weighing up handing him the hallowed No 7 instead.

The club unveiled their striking home shirt, adorned with Lancashire roses, for next season

With the eye-catching new shirt on sale now, United’s website gives customers the option to add the name and number of any chosen player still at the club.

However, ‘Garnacho 49’ has not been included on the drop-down list, hinting heavily that he may well be sporting a different number for the upcoming campaign. 

Were United to offer the 49 shirt as an option and Garnacho then be handed a new number, they would likely have to reimburse those who splashed out on his old strip.

The Manchester Evening News previously reported that the 18-year-old, who signed a five-year contract to pledge his future to Old Trafford, may be awarded the No 7. 

He has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the club since making his first-team debut against Chelsea in April last year and is now a regular under boss Erik ten Hag. 

Garnacho scored three goals in the Premier League last season and enjoyed regular cameos from the bench, highlighting his importance under the current regime. 

Alejandro Garnacho currently wears No 49 but may be in line for a promotion to the No 7 jersey

Garnacho’s current number is not available for customers on United’s official online store

Cristiano Ronaldo vacated the number after his acrimonious second Old Trafford departure

Handing him the No 7 would represent a show of faith in his talents and a recognition of his ability to haul supporters out of their seats during matches.

The iconic shirt was vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo after his acrimonious exit last year, and Garnacho would become the first teenage recipient since the superstar in 2003.

Since Ronaldo’s first departure for Real Madrid in 2009, the number has been adorned by several players who struggled to make an impact at the club.

Michael Owen, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez all endured unremarkable stints at United, with veteran striker Edinson Cavani a rare exception. 

The No 7 was then given back to Ronaldo upon his return but is again available. 

The new jersey features a red, white and black collar and black piping. It also comes with white shorts and predominantly black socks with white and black stripes.