Manchester United’s new signing Romelu Lukaku has been handed Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s old shirt number ahead of next season.
Lukaku completed a £75 million move from Everton earlier this week and is expected to lead the line for Jose Mourinho’s new-look side.
And as if his transfer fee alone didn’t put pressure on the Belgian international… he now has to fill Ibrahimovic’s boots too.
The Swede banged in 17 Premier League goals last season, before damaging his meniscus and cruciate ligament in a Europa League tie against Anderlecht.
That injury, coupled with the amount of time Ibrahimovic will face on the sidelines, persuaded Mourinho to allow the 35-year-old’s contract to run out, essentially ending his time at Old Trafford.
However, it seems United are ready to move on from the former Juventus, Barcelona and AC Milan hit-man… after handing Lukaku his old squad number:
Our new no.9 – @RomeluLukaku9!
Want his name on your #MUFC shirt? Order here: https://t.co/ipjtXWC2PZ pic.twitter.com/K9euzLdUYE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2017
Despite being told his services are no longer required, Ibrahimovic is still being linked with a return to the club when he recovers from his injury.
However, with Lukaku taking his old number, does this shatter any hope of Ibra making a sensational comeback?
Surely it wouldn’t sit right with a player of Ibrahimovic’s stature to serve as a back-up?
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