Manchester United have confirmed that new goalkeeper Jack Butland will wear the number 31 after joining the club on loan from Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old signed for the Reds on a season-long loan deal on Friday morning after former back-up Martin Dubravka had his loan from Newcastle United terminated.
Butland arrives at Old Trafford as back-up for first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea, but will be keen to establish himself as the second-choice for the rest of the campaign. He joins Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop in United's goalkeeper pool.
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The former Stoke City man will wear number 31 for United this season, having worn number one since becoming an established professional. However, with De Gea possessing that shirt number, he had to chose something different.
It is the same number that Dubravka donned for the Reds, albeit only on two occasions. Prior to the Slovakia international, the No.31 was previously worn by Nemanja Matic, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marouane Fellaini.
Speaking to club media about his transfer to United, Butland, who has made nine appearances for England, said: "This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent.
"I'm really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team."
He also revealed his excitement at getting to work with De Gea, telling MUTV: ''I have obviously known Tom [Heaton] for a long time, I know what Tom is about. What a great guy and what a great goalkeeper he is.
"I am really looking forward to training with David [De Gea], someone who has been at the top of his game for such a long time, and who has also has a lot of history and respect here at the club. It's a great opportunity for me to train with him but also test myself against him as well. Also just to train alongside the guys and push each other.
"I spoke to Richard Hartis, the goalkeeper coach, as well and there is a mutual excitement between ourselves to get going and get the goalkeeper gloves on. I am excited to get going and get out there with them.''
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