PREMIER - Raphael Varane: The History of Man United's No. 19 Shirt

The Frenchman introduced himself as Manchester United's new number 19 with his new red shirt falling from his arms, gaining the number from youngster Amad.

Varane's decision was calculated, even though it was unconventional and unexpected. Varane chose the number he wore in his early years at Real Madrid because Phil Jones was hesitant to give up his number 4.

The number 19 shirt has a fairly prosperous past, meaning Varane actually has some rather large footsteps to follow. From treble winners, to future club icons, here is a list of the players Varane will be succeeding.

2020/21: Amad Diallo

As far as debut campaigns go, amad's could probably be deemed fruitful. Following his January arrival from Atalanta, with just over an hour of senior football under his belt, Amad announced himself to the world in the Europa League. With a tense tie against AC Milan struggling to break stalemate, Amad's delighful looped head gave United the lead, helping them progress from their toughest tie in the run to the final. By the end of the season, an assist against Leicester City and a standout performances against Wolves had ensured Amad's status as a worldly prospect.

2016-2018: Marcus Rashford

Upon Jose Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford, wonderkid Marcus Rashford was rewarded for a fine breakout season with a move to the number 19 shirt as he looked to assure his place as a permanent figure in the starting XI. In two season's donning the shirt, Rashford shot himself from wonderkid, to totally undroppable. He won two major trophies wearing the shirt, with his most significant performance coming in a 2-1 home win against Liverpool, scoring two almost identical goals to see of United's bitter rivals.

2008-2014: Danny Welbeck

In hindsight, Danny Welbeck's story is more of a tragedy than a success, especially in the context of his early promise. Once as highly regarded as the likes of a young Wayne Rooney, Welbeck's career highlights perhaps all came wearing the number 19. His early promise quickly faded upon the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and a move to Arsenal a year later did nothing to recover his form. An academy product, it seems a shame we never got to see Danny Welbeck reach his truest form.

2007/08: Gerrard Pique

Now a four time Champions League winner with Barcelona, Gerrard Pique was once a hot prospect breaking into the Manchester United team in the absence of the formidable Ferdinand and Vidic. In the season before his move back to Barcelona, Pique wore the 19 shirt as he helped United to a Premier League and Champions League double.

1998-2002: Dwight Yorke

Arguably the most famous number 19 in United's history, Dwight Yorke was an integral cog in United's treble winning machine. Forming a destructive partnership with Andy Cole, Yorke contributed to goals at Old Trafford with an almost robotic consistency, managing 48 goals in his four seasons at Old Trafford.