Manchester United’s squad numbers for the 2026/27 season have been revealed.

Michael Carrick’s side will play Champions League football for the first time since the 2023/24 season, having finished third in the Premier League last season. The likes of club captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo are all expected to contribute significantly to the Englishman’s first full season in charge.

The Red Devils’ squad numbers may provide a hint at the roles some players are expected to play at Old Trafford this season. Here is the full list of confirmed squad numbers, plus available numbers.

Goalkeepers

Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio

Altay Bayindir retains the no.1 jersey ahead of the new season, but he isn’t first in the pecking order. Belgian ‘keeper Senne Lammens is expected to start in goal on the opening day of the season, having made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Tom Heaton has only made three appearances since joining from Aston Villa in 2021, none of them in the league. And he looks set to fall to fourth in the hierarchy with the arrival of the experienced Karl Darlow from Leeds on a free transfer. The veteran shotstopper has been given the no.12.

Defenders

REUTERS/Phil Noble

There are no changes to squad numbers in the Manchester United defence, but they do reflect the backline’s pecking order and who fans might see in the starting 11 come the opening day of the season. Long-serving full back Diogo Dalot retains the no.2 after swapping it for the no.20 last season. Established centre backs Maguire and Martínez also hold onto their numbers, suggesting that they will continue to be prominent members of the first team.

Promising talents Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro’s numbers remain in the teens, implying that they will continue to push for increased minutes during the season. Luke Shaw remains the exception; he holds onto the no.23 after first adopting the number in 2015.

Midfielders

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Bruno Fernandes retains the no.8 for the fifth straight season, but he will expect to be joined by new faces in midfield this season. Transferring in from Chelsea, Andrey Santos has adopted the no.17 vacated by Alejandro Garnacho. Arriving from Aston Villa, Youri Tielemans has gone one higher, taking no.18. But they are big boots to fill, with the number last worn by Casemiro and before that Bruno and Paul Scholes.

Kobbie Mainoo’s increased standing at Old Trafford hasn’t resulted in a lower number. His no.37 is followed closely by the Fletcher twins, sons of club legend Darren, who hold onto the 38 and 39 jerseys respectively.

Forwards

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Last summer’s trio of forward signings will be looking to build on an impressive first campaign at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have held onto their numbers, but Benjamin Sesko is reportedly set to adopt an iconic vacant number for the season ahead. Several outlets and social media creators have alleged that Sesko will take on the no.9 following Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent exit.

However, the returning Marcus Rashford might make a case for being the no.9’s heir apparent. The England man continues to be linked with a move away after his successful loan at Barcelona, but being gifted a coveted squad number may convince the academy graduate to stay.

Available Numbers

Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic

Besides the no.9 that Sesko has his eye on, there are a few notable numbers still up for grabs. Christian Eriksen’s no.14 is available, as is the no.21 last worn by Antony.

The no.20 that was vacated by Dalot, opting for the no.2 instead, also remains available. The no.20 might be one for those who believe in good fortune — the number was previously worn by Gary Neville, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Robin van Persie.

The 39th annual edition of WWE‘s biggest party of the summer, SummerSlam, is heading to Minneapolis, Minnesota, specifically to U.S. Bank Stadium, for a two-night extravaganza this weekend.

Across both nights, those in attendance and tuning in via Netflix will have 12 matches to enjoy, including six title matches, and a general manager swapping the shirt and tie for the trunks.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the WWE product from show to show, ChatGPT has accepted the task of predicting all of those who will have their hands raised.

The card features matches for the Undisputed WWE, Women’s World, United States, Interim WWE Women’s, Intercontinental, and World Heavyweight Championships.

Night 1 Predictions From Supercomputer

Screenshot via Netflix

Night one kicks off with a six-woman tag team match between The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie) and Paige, who were actually on opposing sides of a tag match at WrestleMania 31 in 2015, and the Fatal Influence stable (Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid, and Fallon Henley). ChatGPT predicts that it will be the new stars that will come out on top to, in the AI’s own words, “establish the new generation.”

Next up will be former SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, switching to in-ring competition to take on the daunting challenge represented by former World Heavyweight Champion and long-reigning Intercontinental Champion Gunther. The AI confidently predicts that the challenge will be too steep for Aldis and that he will be easily beaten.

Another match containing six participants follows when LA Knight, newly turned face Solo Sikoa, and Royce Keys take on Jacob Fatu and The Usos, who make up the latest version of The Bloodline. According to ChatGPT, The Bloodline will take the win and move forward with new momentum.

The Undisputed WWE Championship will then be defended as current champion CM Punk puts the belt on the line against multiple-time champion Cody Rhodes. AI believes The American Nightmare will have to wait for his next reign at the top of the mountain, however, suggesting that there could be a controversial reason as to why Punk walks out with the belt.

The Hell in a Cell structure arrives for the mammoth clash between the two powerhouses of Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar as they look to settle who is the better man inside the demonic cell. Given the stage of each man’s career, ChatGPT is of the opinion that The Beast Incarnate will do the honours and cement Oba as the next megastar, with The Ruler going over.

Finally, for Night 1, Liv Morgan will put her Women’s World Championship on the line against IYO SKY, and AI sees, with a fair amount of confidence, a new champion emerging as the first night comes to an end.

Night 2 Predictions From Supercomputer

Screenshot via Netflix

Attention then turns to the second night of action, and it begins with another championship match, as the United States Championship will be up for grabs. However, if the prediction given with a lot of confidence by ChatGPT is right, Baron Corbin will fail in his pursuit of the title and Trick Williams will retain.

If the AI is correct on who will hold the Undisputed WWE Championship, CM Punk will have his eyes on the match that comes up after. That match is for number one contender status for his title between former champion Sami Zayn and inaugural Universal Champion Finn Balor. The chatbot believes it will be the latter earning another chance to challenge for a major world title since he was forced to give up the then-red Universal Championship just a day after defeating Seth Rollins at SummerSlam in 2016.

Then, in an attempt to leave the audience with a few laughs before the ending of the night, Danhausen takes on Dominik Mysterio in a Human Monies on a Pole match, which will determine the destination of the $100,000 that the former stole from Mysterio’s stable, Judgment Day. ChatGPT thinks the money will remain in the hands of Danhausen and that there will be plenty of funny moments on the way to the result.

For the Interim WWE Women’s Championship, the AI predicts that Jade Cargill will climb the ladder before Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, and whoever takes part in the match between Giulia and Lash Legend, subject to the outcome of their qualifying match.

It is also fairly confident that the Intercontinental Championship will not be changing hands and that Penta gets the better of Chad Gable.

In the main event of night two, and the final match of the whole show, it’s another battle between those who were formerly in The Shield. Roman Reigns defends his World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins, his former Shield teammate and longtime rival.

Based on the thoughts of ChatGPT, the reign of Reigns will carry on, and his former fellow Hound of Justice will be left to continue the chase for the title that he never lost in the ring.

With the summer transfer window beginning to gain traction, many teams will be thinking about how they can bolster their squads ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

And like the price of everything, transfer fees for new additions continue to rise, forcing many teams out of the bidding wars for the very best talents around.

There are always plenty of gems available on the free agent listings, but many clubs seeking a bargain will also be looking further into the future at the players whose contracts expire in 2027. Whilst still under contract currently, players whose current deals expire next summer will be available to negotiate deals with a new club from January.

It creates a difficult situation and a race against time for the player’s current club, as they seek to come to a new agreement fast. But for clubs in the market, it presents the chance to get good players on a cut-price deal or possibly a free transfer in a year’s time.

Here is a closer look at some of the best players from world football whose contracts are up in 2027.

12

Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)

Photo courtesy of Reuters.

The Argentinian centre back has become a key figure for Manchester United since signing from Ajax in 2022. His current deal has an option to extend one year until 2028, with United reportedly keen to exercise that option. The defender didn’t manage to return to United a back-to-back World Cup winner, but did help Argentina reach the final against Spain and enjoyed a stellar tournament.

11

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

The France international has been crucial to Crystal Palace’s recent success, hitting double figures in the Premier League the last three seasons. Jean-Philippe Mateta came very close to joining AC Milan in January, clearly keen to cash in on a big move following his good form. There’s a strong chance that another big team will swoop for the striker with his current Crystal Palace deal into the final 12 months. Manchester United and Juventus have been linked.

10

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)

REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev

Despite verbal agreements and advanced negotiations, a contract extension for Brahim Diaz has yet to be officially confirmed. The former Manchester City and AC Milan star is reportedly monitoring his game time and role in the squad before committing to a new deal. Diaz is one of the leading assist makers at the World Cup, which could generate some renewed interest knowing his contract situation.

9

Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

One of the best midfielders in the world, Fabian Ruiz added another Champions League medal and a World Cup to his honours list ahead of the 2026/27 season. Having previously been a key player for Napoli, Ruiz has shone for Paris Saint-Germain, but a return to Spain could be on the cards as he heads into his thirties. He began his career at Real Betis, but his quality is such that Real Madrid and Barcelona will no doubt be on alert.

8

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

Alessandro Garofalo-REUTERS

The former Chelsea star has been busy representing co-hosts the United States at the World Cup, but he will return to Italy knowing that his current deal expires next summer. ‘Captain America’ has a one-year extension option beyond 2027, but with Pulisic enjoying his time with the Rossoneri, he is reportedly hoping to sign a long-term extension.

7

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

via Reuters

The Manchester United captain was reportedly close to leaving the club last summer, following interest from the Saudi Pro League. And with his contract up next June, and with the new Premier League assists record to his name, there’s a good chance that the Saudi teams will be circling again for the 31-year-old. However, United are reportedly set to offer Fernandes a huge contract extension.

6

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

The Brazilian’s deal is set to expire next summer. However, Arsenal do have the option to extend Martinelli’s contract by another year, potentially keeping him at the club until 2028. Because of the stipulation, Arsenal have not been prioritising the extension. The Premier League champions may also be assessing their options. Martinelli just posted his worst Premier League goal return since joining the club in 2019, with just one goal in 30 appearances.

5

Ferran Torres (Barcelona)

REUTERS/Albert Gea

Ferran Torres continues to be a strong source of goals for Barcelona but reported delays over a contract extension suggested that the Spanish giants were considering cashing in on the former Manchester City man. Robert Lewandowski’s departure has allegedly changed Barca’s position on Torres, but a good offer could convince them to sell as he enters the last year of his contract.

4

Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)

REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

The Italian left back’s ties to the Nerazzurri run deep, with a 22-year association with the club. Inter are reportedly working on a contract extension for one of their most prized assets. But Arsenal and Manchester United are supposedly rumoured to be interested in Dimarco, who continues to be one of the most productive full backs in Europe.

3

Rodri (Manchester City)

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach via Action Images

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and recently crowned World Cup winner has endured a tough time with injuries over the past two seasons, but there is reportedly a contract on the table for one of the club’s key players. However, Rodri hasn’t exactly shied away from rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.