Premier League clubs are busy putting their final plans in place for the summer window but may also be starting to plot further ahead.
Why Robin van Persie chose to wear the No.20 shirt at Manchester United
08.08.2023 - 08:19 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Picking a shirt number is always a major decision for any new arrival at Manchester United and a subject that gathers plenty of interest from supporters.
This summer, Mason Mount's decision to take the famous No.7 - previously worn by George Best, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo among others - grabbed as many headlines as the signing itself. Andre Onana opted against taking the No.1 shirt vacated by David De Gea, opting instead for the No.25 he donned at Inter Milan and Ajax.
For some, the decision is based on superstition while others have a number they have worn since childhood. As with the United No.7, certain options carry a particular weight.
Robin van Persie wore the No.11 during his first six seasons at Arsenal, switching to the No.10 for his final two years. But when he joined United in the summer of 2012, both were already occupied.
ALSO READ: What Ferguson did after City 2012 title win to regain Premier League title
It was up to assistant coach Rene Meulensteen to come up with an idea as to which shirt the Dutchman should take. And it was a simple choice, as he explains in his new book.
“Robin fit into our group easily. He was a top professional. There was no arrogance about him. He was a bit quiet at the beginning, but he seemed to love the intensity of our sessions from the start.
“After the first few sessions I was picking up some bibs and I heard the boss say to Robin that they needed to submit the squad list to the Premier League and Champions League, so he needed to select a number. There were two available – 20 and 21.
“‘That’s quite easy, isn’t it?’ I interrupted. ‘It can only be 20. You’re here to win the league. If we do, it’s our 20th title. Carry that on your back and you will know what we’re
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