Rasmus Hojlund has opted for the iconic number nine shirt at Manchester United for the upcoming season, following the departure of Anthony Martial from Old Trafford. Hojlund, who joined United for £72 million from Atalanta, initially wore the number 11 shirt but has now made the switch. The Danish international aims to carry forward the legacy of the number nine, a jersey with a storied past at the club.
Hojlund’s first season saw him net 16 goals in 43 appearances, a respectable tally amid a challenging campaign for United, which included an early Champions League exit and an eighth-place finish in the league. However, a victory in the FA Cup final provided a high note to end the season.
Notable No.9s in Manchester United History
Brian McClair
Brian McClair was the first to wear the number nine shirt when squad numbers were introduced in the Premier League for the 1993-94 season. McClair had already spent nearly a decade at Old Trafford, contributing significantly to the club’s inaugural Premier League title. One of his standout moments came in the 1994 FA Cup final, where he scored in United’s 4-0 victory over Chelsea, securing their first domestic double under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole, who initially wore number 17, took over the number nine shirt in the 1997-98 season. Despite a disappointing league campaign that year, Cole’s fortunes turned dramatically in 1998-99. He scored 24 goals in all competitions, including a crucial goal in the league title decider against Spurs. Cole also played a key role in United’s Champions League triumph, scoring in the semi-final against Juventus.
Louis Saha
Louis Saha inherited the number nine shirt midway through the 2003-04 season after joining from Fulham. Although injuries plagued his time at United, Saha contributed to the club’s title wins in 2006-07 and 2007-08. He also scored during the run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2007, but missed the 2008 final against Chelsea due to injury.
Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov took the number nine shirt in 2008 after a last-minute transfer from Tottenham. His most memorable season came in 2010-11, where he top-scored in the Premier League with 20 goals, including a hat-trick against Liverpool. However, his influence waned, and he left the club in 2012.
Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao wore the number nine shirt during the 2014-15 season after joining on loan from Monaco. Despite high expectations, Falcao struggled to find form, scoring only four goals in 29 appearances. His stint was marked by inconsistency and injury troubles, leading to his return to Monaco at the end of the season.
The Challenge Ahead for Hojlund
Hojlund now faces the challenge of living up to the legacy of the number nine shirt. Previous holders have experienced varying degrees of success, and the Danish striker will hope to establish himself as a key player for Manchester United in the seasons to come. With a promising first season behind him, Hojlund’s switch to the number nine represents his ambition to become the main striker for the Red Devils.