BRUNO FERNANDES has changed shirt number ahead of Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
The 27-year-old Portuguese midfielder has worn the No18 shirt since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020.
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But he has now become the new No8 after Juan Mata left the club at the end of last season.
And it is a number which Fernandes – who has scored 50 goals and provided 38 assists in 125 matches for Man Utd – is incredibly familiar with.
It holds a special place in his heart because he was born on September 8 in 1994.
He previously had it while at Udinese, Sporting Lisbon and also wears it for the Portugal national team.
Such is the importance of the number for Fernandes that he already has a tattoo of it on his right arm.
Man Utd tweeted a video of Fernandes and his No8 tattoo, along with the caption: “It was meant to be… ???????? Introducing our new number 8️⃣: @B_Fernandes8! ????.”
He will now wear it on the club’s pre-season tour which includes games against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Ray Vallecano.
Their first Premier League game of the campaign then comes against Brighton on Sunday, August 7.
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Paul Ince, Nicky Butt and Wayne Rooney are among the Man Utd players to have worn the No8 shirt for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, Fernandes pledged his future back in April by signing a new deal until 2026 – with the option of an additional year.
Speaking about his new contract, Fernandes said: “From the moment that I joined Manchester United, I have had a special relationship with the club and our amazing fans.
“I grew up watching this team, dreaming of getting the chance to play here one day. That dream is now a reality and an honour.
“Even after two years, it still feels amazing to step out at Old Trafford, to hear the fans sing my song and to score in front of the Stretford End.
“It is a true privilege to wear this shirt and to fight for our incredible club.”
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