Cristiano Ronaldo shirt number: What jersey will he take after completing transfer?

The 36-year-old Juventus striker is set to return to his former club 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo wore No 7 in his first spell (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United have agreed a deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club.

The 36-year-old Juventus striker is set to return to Old Trafford 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid.

A United statement said: “Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”

Ronaldo became famous in the iconic No 7 jersey during his glittering first spell at the club, but Edinson Cavani is currently in possession.

The other number he has worn most famously is No 9, which is also taken - by French striker Anthony Martial.

One option could be No 28 - his first number at Sporting - with incumbent Facundo Pellistri out on loan at Alaves.

Other options include 12, 15, 24, 30, 31, 33, 35.

Ronaldo had been heavily linked with a move to United’s neighbours Manchester City.

City were offered him, after he made it clear he wanted to leave Juventus, and were considered front-runners for his signature but decided the deal was not one they wished to pursue.

United appeared to become an option when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held a press conference on Friday afternoon and said their former star “knows that we’re here”.

Solskjaer added that United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been talking to his compatriot Ronaldo.

Asked why Ronaldo had supposedly been heading to the Etihad instead of Old Trafford, Solskjaer said: “I didn’t think Cristiano was going to turn out leaving Juventus.

“It’s been speculation this morning, speculation the last few days, of course. We’ve always had a good communication - I know Bruno (Fernandes) has been talking to him as well. He knows what we feel about him and if he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows that we’re here.

“He’s such a tremendous human being as well, so let’s see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who has played with him, I think, has a soft spot for him.”

Ronaldo scored 118 goals during six seasons at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, helping the club win three Premier League titles, a Champions League, the Fifa Club World Cup, two League Cups and one FA Cup.