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PICTURES: Juan Mata handed No 8 shirt for Manchester United not fabled 7
JUAN MATA will wear the No 8 shirt for Manchester United following his club-record move from Chelsea.
Mata was expected to follow in the footsteps of illustrious Old Trafford legends like George Best, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo by taking the No 7 squad number.
However, United have confirmed the midfielder will play with eight on his back, following previous incumbent Anderson's loan move to Fiorentina.
Speculation was rife that Mata would wear seven, a shirt number left vacant since Antonio Valencia decided the burden was too much and asked to revert to 25 last summer.
But Mata decided to leave the iconic number seven after talks with David Moyes.
"I think number eight is a great number," said Mata. "I know that seven is an iconic number here.
"But after Speaking with David, eight is a good number for me and hopefully will bring me good luck this season."
BREAKING: @JuanMata10 will wear the no.8 shirt for Manchester United. #mufcmata pic.twitter.com/Isblh1HqXO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 27, 2014