Manchester United prospects Alvaro Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho have been handed new squad numbers as the duo returned for the start of pre-season training under Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils along with Chelsea are the only 'Big Six' club yet to make a senior signing this summer, with fans growing frustrated at the lack of transfer activity. United are said to be close to a deal for Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong, and are said to have made their interest known in Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia.
Ten Hag's appointment was confirmed in April, and the Dutch boss cut short his time at Ajax to get to work at Old Trafford sooner. The 52-year-old got to meet the United squad for the first time on Monday morning as the the players reported for pre-season training.
David de Gea and Marcus Rashford were among the first-team stars who have been welcomed back and began their pre-season preparations. International stars who were on Nations League duty including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo are not due to report back until next week.
It has allowed Ten Hag and his coaching staff to cast their eyes over a number of established players and upcoming prospects such as Fernandez and Garnacho. Both teenagers were introduced to the senior squad last season, while the latter even made his Premier League debut.
It was a breakthrough campaign for Garnacho, with the 17-year-old making appearances against both Chelsea and Crystal Palace. The winger also earned a senior international call-up for Argentina, and proved to be a standout performer as the Red Devils won the FA Youth Cup against Nottingham Forest in front of a packed Old Trafford.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Does Alejandro Garnacho have a first-team role to play at Manchester United this season? Comment below!
Garnacho wore number 75 last season, but the Manchester Evening News reports the teenager donned the number 49 in the training pictures released by the club. It was a similar story for Fernandez, with the 19-year-old - who was previously assigned the number 74 - now wearing the number 42 for pre-season.
There was a time when United's training numbers did not match up with the squad numbers assigned during the season, with archive photographs showing former defender Rio Ferdinand once wearing the number nine in training in 2003. However, this practice is no longer the case, hinting the teenage pair have been handed new numbers.
Matej Kovar was also the recipient of a new squad number, with the under-23s goalkeeper wearing the number 40 having previously been assigned the number 51. The report goes on to add a number of 'lower-profile' academy talents were also spotted donning new squad numbers.
United have not officially confirmed their new squad numbers for the new campaign, and these are inevitably subject to change. The Red Devils will play six matches in 20 days as part of their pre-season preparations, beginning with a clash against Premier League runners-up Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, Melbourne Victory are also on the agenda, before United return to Old Trafford to their final friendly against Rayo Vallecano. The Red Devils begin their Premier League season with a home clash against Brighton, followed by a visit to Brentford and then an early clash with Jurgen Klopp's side.
