Juan Mata will wear the number 8 shirt at Manchester United

Manchester United have announced that Juan Mata will wear the number 8 shirt at the club, taking over from the recently-departed Anderson.

While we can imagine that Mata's career at Old Trafford will go rather better than the Brazilian, it leaves the question open as to who will take the number 7 shirt. Either Adnan Januzaj or a new signing from the club look the most likely there. Or, of course, perhaps we're just saving it for when Cristiano Ronaldo inevitably comes home. He will, won't he?

Some people really seem to care about shirt numbers. Others couldn't be less minded if they tried. Personally, I'll just be happy if he doesn't insist on being called 'JM8' and bring out a range of clothing based on his number. Little victories.

Oh, and personally, I'd like to see the number 7 shirt retired. Not in honour of Eric Cantona or George Best, but just because Michael Owen has forever tainted it.