Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, and their number 7 shirt is one of the most iconic in the sport. Over the years, some of the greatest players in football history have worn the famous shirt, and in this article, we will take a look at the best number 7s to have played for Manchester United.
The Early Years: George Best and Bryan Robson
The first player to really make the number 7 shirt his own at Manchester United was George Best. The Northern Irishman was one of the most talented players of his generation, and he helped United win the European Cup in 1968. Best was a true entertainer, and his skill and flair on the ball made him a fan favourite.
After Best, the number 7 shirt was worn by Bryan Robson. Robson was a different type of player to Best, but he was equally influential. The England international was a box-to-box midfielder who could score goals and create chances. Robson captained United to FA Cup glory on three occasions, and he remains one of the club's greatest-ever players.
The Premier League Era: Eric Cantona and David Beckham
The arrival of the Premier League in 1992 saw the number 7 shirt become even more iconic. Eric Cantona was the first player to wear the shirt in the new era, and he quickly became a cult hero at Old Trafford. The Frenchman was a mercurial talent who could score spectacular goals and create chances for his teammates. He helped United win four Premier League titles in five seasons and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history.
After Cantona, the number 7 shirt was worn by David Beckham. Beckham was a different type of player to Cantona, but he was equally influential. The England international was a dead-ball specialist who could score goals from long range. He helped United win six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 1999. Beckham's move to Real Madrid in 2003 was a controversial one, but he remains a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
The Modern Era: Cristiano Ronaldo and Memphis Depay
In the modern era, the number 7 shirt has been worn by two players who have divided opinion among United fans. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford as a skinny teenager in 2003, but he quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world. Ronaldo's pace, skill and goalscoring ability helped United win three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. He left for Real Madrid in 2009, but he remains a legend at United.
After Ronaldo, the number 7 shirt was handed to Memphis Depay. The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford with a big reputation, but he struggled to make an impact in his first season. Depay was eventually sold to Lyon in 2017, and his time at United is regarded as a disappointment.
The Future: Who Will Be United's Next Number 7?
As we look to the future, the question on every United fan's lips is who will be the next player to wear the number 7 shirt. There are plenty of candidates, including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. Whoever gets the shirt will have big shoes to fill, but if they can replicate the success of Best, Robson, Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo, they will become a legend at Old Trafford.
In conclusion, the number 7 shirt is one of the most iconic in football, and Manchester United has been fortunate to have some of the greatest players in the world wear it. From George Best to Cristiano Ronaldo, the shirt has been worn by some of the most talented and influential players in the club's history. As we look to the future, United fans will be hoping that the next player to wear the shirt can continue the legacy of the great number 7s who have gone before.
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