Manchester City fans have delivered a mixed but largely playful reaction after Allan was confirmed as the club’s new No.37.
The announcement might normally have been a straightforward squad-number update. However, supporters quickly turned their attention to the number itself.
Several City fans questioned why Allan had been given No.37 when other numbers appeared to be available. No.19, in particular, became a popular alternative among supporters on X.
The reaction ranged from surprise and jokes to messages of encouragement for the young midfielder.
One thing was clear from the discussion: Manchester City supporters are already taking an interest in Allan’s next chapter at the club.
Allan officially becomes City’s No.37
Manchester City have confirmed Allan’s squad number ahead of his first-team involvement under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Brazilian midfielder will wear No.37.
BREAKING: Allan is #ManCity‘s new No.37. pic.twitter.com/6mZ66BQz5a
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 3, 2026
The number has previously been worn by a number of players at City. A City fan account highlighted the history of the shirt, listing Kayky, Gunnar Nielsen, Shay Given, Kelvin Etuhu, Paul Dickov and Terry Dunfield among its previous holders.
That history immediately became part of the conversation.
Rather than simply celebrating the announcement, some supporters began asking whether Allan could have been given a different number.
Alexander summed up the surprise with a humorous comment:
“Not even 20😭😂”
The post attracted significant attention, showing that plenty of supporters were curious about the decision.
‘No.19 would’ve been so much better’
The biggest theme in the reaction was the suggestion that Allan should have been given No.19.
Oluwa Stephen simply posted:
“#19”
That comment received hundreds of likes.
Jrdn_ was even more direct:
“19 would’ve been so much better”
For these supporters, No.19 simply seemed like a more natural fit for Allan.
Another fan, Dax, asked:
“Did he know the #20 is free”
The comments show that some City supporters were not necessarily unhappy with Allan himself.
Instead, they were questioning the squad-number choice.
That distinction is important.
The reaction was largely about the shirt rather than criticism of the player.
Fans joke that Allan has been given an academy number
Another recurring joke involved the idea that No.37 looks like an academy squad number.
Jordan from TalkinCity wrote:
“gave him an academy number”
That comment captured the tone of the discussion perfectly.
Manchester City have a long tradition of giving young players higher squad numbers before they establish themselves in the senior team. As a result, No.37 immediately reminded some supporters of an academy pathway.
The number does not necessarily indicate Allan’s importance to Maresca’s plans.
In football, squad numbers can change from season to season. What matters most is what happens on the pitch.
Still, fans naturally attach meaning to shirt numbers.
A lower number can sometimes feel like a statement of status, while a number in the 30s can be associated with younger players or squad development.
That appears to be why the decision generated so much discussion.
‘No pressure’ – fans have expectations already
While some supporters questioned the number, others focused on Allan’s opportunity.
Doku_Baller offered a short but interesting response:
“No pressure”
It was clearly a playful reference to the expectations that come with playing for Manchester City.
Another supporter, Footballverse, encouraged the youngster:
“Make us proud Allan”
That was one of the more positive messages in the conversation.
It suggests that, despite the jokes about No.37, supporters are keen to see Allan succeed.
For a young player stepping into a Manchester City squad, that support could be important.
There will naturally be competition for places under Maresca. Allan will need to demonstrate his quality in training and take his opportunities when they arrive.
The shirt number will not determine his success.
His performances will.
‘AE 37’ gives the number a new identity
Not every supporter wanted Allan to change his number.
Kolakenzy appeared to embrace the decision, posting:
“AE 37🩵”
It is a simple reaction, but it shows how quickly fans can begin giving a shirt number its own identity.
If Allan establishes himself in the first team, No.37 could eventually become associated with him.
That is something supporters have seen before.
A squad number that initially feels unusual can become special when a player produces memorable performances while wearing it.
For Allan, that opportunity now exists.
What about No.16?
Another interesting part of the reaction came from XBMOON, who asked:
“So no one is going to take No. 16”
That comment shifted the conversation towards the other available squad numbers.
It also reinforced the central question being asked by several fans: why No.37?
There was no major anger in the replies.
Instead, supporters seemed amused and curious.
Aden responded with:
“Wow”
While Dr. T knows ball posted:
“I guess 😂”
Android_17 reacted with:
“Bruhhh”
And another supporter simply wrote:
“Hmmmm.”
These reactions show that the decision caught some fans off guard.
Allan’s No.37 could become meaningful
Ultimately, the number is not the most important part of Allan’s Manchester City story.
What matters is whether he can establish himself in Maresca’s team.
Manchester City are entering a new era following Maresca’s appointment as head coach. That means players across the squad will have opportunities to impress the new manager.
For Allan, this could be an important period.
A new head coach can change the hierarchy within a squad. Players who impress during training can earn opportunities, while younger members of the squad can potentially make a stronger impression.
The No.37 shirt could therefore become the beginning of Allan’s story rather than a statement about his current position.
If he eventually becomes a regular first-team player, supporters may look back at the number differently.
Instead of saying that No.19 would have been better, fans could eventually be proud to see Allan wearing No.37.
Supporters are already watching closely
The reaction to Allan’s squad number demonstrates how closely Manchester City supporters follow even the smallest developments around the club.
A simple announcement about a shirt number generated hundreds of reactions.
Some wanted No.19.
Others joked about No.20.
Another fan described No.37 as an academy number.
But there were also supporters telling Allan to make them proud.
That mixture of humour, curiosity and support is typical of football fan culture.
It also shows that Allan already has supporters paying attention to his progress.
The number does not matter as much as the performances
There is one simple way for Allan to end the debate over his squad number.
Perform well.
If he becomes an important player for Manchester City, nobody will care that No.19 was available.
No.37 will simply become Allan’s number.
That is the opportunity now in front of him.
The reaction from supporters may have started with jokes about the number, but there is genuine excitement underneath it.
Fans want to see what the young midfielder can offer.
They want to know whether he can break into Maresca’s squad.
And they want to see whether No.37 can become another memorable Manchester City shirt.
For now, the verdict from supporters is mixed on the number itself.
But the message to Allan is increasingly clear: wear it proudly, perform well and make No.37 your own.
