What Shirt Number Will Ederson Wear at Manchester United?

Manchester United have reached a contract agreement with Atalanta midfielder Ederson, the Brazilian’s terms running until 2031 with a €45m fee tabled to the Bergamo club. With Ederson now expected to be Ruben Amorim’s first summer signing, attention at Old Trafford is shifting to the small but symbolic detail every new arrival picks: the squad number on the back of his shirt.

Which numbers are free at Manchester United for 2026/27?

Following the 2025 summer departures and Casemiro’s exit at the end of last season, a handful of midfield-friendly numbers have opened up. The most realistic candidates for Ederson are:

• No. 18 — vacated and historically a Manchester United number associated with hard-running central midfielders.
• No. 14 — last worn by Christian Eriksen and untaken in 2025/26, a natural fit for a deep-lying creator.
• No. 6 — Casemiro’s old number, free again and a heavyweight choice for a defensive midfielder.
• No. 8 — Bruno Fernandes still owns it, so this one is off the table.

Our pick: No. 18

Ederson wore No. 13 at Atalanta, but 13 is currently in use at United. The smart money is on No. 18. It is currently free, it sits in the right band for a starting midfielder, and it carries enough Old Trafford history (Paul Scholes, Ashley Young) to flatter a marquee summer signing without burdening him with the weight of the No. 6.

If Ederson prefers continuity with a low number, No. 6 is the romantic choice. If United want him to inherit Eriksen’s creative role rather than Casemiro’s destroyer brief, No. 14 makes the most sense.

Why the squad number matters for shirt sales

Shirt numbers are not cosmetic. They drive merchandise: replica shirts with the right surname and number printed on the back are the single biggest source of incremental jersey revenue for Premier League clubs in a transfer window. United supporters who want to be first in line should hold off on a printed kit until the official announcement, then revisit our Manchester United 26/27 home kit reveal for the design Ederson will actually wear.

When will the number be confirmed?

United typically confirm new signings’ shirt numbers in the official unveiling video, usually within 24 hours of the medical being completed. With the 2026 Premier League transfer window opening on 15 June and closing on 31 August, expect the Ederson reveal — kit, number and all — in the back half of June once paperwork is lodged at Atalanta’s end.

Frequently asked questions

Has Ederson signed for Manchester United yet?
No. As of 13 May 2026, personal terms are agreed and a €45m offer is on the table to Atalanta. The transfer is not yet official.

Is this the same Ederson as the Manchester City goalkeeper?
No. This is Ederson José dos Santos Lourenço da Silva, the Brazilian midfielder at Atalanta — a different player to Ederson Moraes at City.

Can I pre-order a printed Ederson Man Utd shirt?
Not until the squad number is officially confirmed. Browse the latest Manchester United shirts at 433fc.com in the meantime.

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• Leaked: Manchester United 26/27 home kit
• Retro Manchester United 1994/96 home jersey
• Manchester United 2025/26 tracksuit