Manchester United’s iconic No. 7 shirt holds a special place in the hearts of football fans. Legends like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have donned that jersey, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history. But since Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009, the torch has been passed to a new generation of players who have attempted to fill those iconic boots.
In this article, we will rank the seven players who have worn the famous No. 7 shirt for Manchester United since Ronaldo’s departure, culminating with the recent announcement that Mason Mount will be the latest addition to this esteemed lineage.
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7) Alexis Sanchez
Having previously ranked as United’s worst signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Alexis Sanchez occupies the last place on our list. Despite his impressive performances at Arsenal, where he scored 16 goals in his debut season, Sanchez’s time at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency and a loss of form. With only three goals in 32 league appearances, Sanchez failed to reproduce his past brilliance. Eventually, he was loaned to Inter Milan and then transferred permanently, allowing United to move on from this disappointing chapter.
6) Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay arrived at Manchester United in 2015 with high expectations after shining in the Eredivisie with PSV. However, despite his confident demeanor, the young Dutch forward struggled to find his footing at Old Trafford. Although he showed flashes of his potential, his time at United yielded only two Premier League goals in one season. Depay ultimately found success elsewhere, representing Lyon and now Atletico Madrid.
5) Angel Di Maria
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Angel Di Maria, signed for a record-breaking fee of £67.5m, was expected to be a standout performer in the No. 7 shirt. His early performances seemed to validate that belief, scoring three goals and providing four assists in his first six league appearances. However, Di Maria’s form quickly declined, and he managed only one more league goal and struggled to make an impact. After a disappointing season, he departed for Paris Saint-Germain, leaving fans reminiscing about what could have been.
4) Michael Owen
Michael Owen’s signing by Sir Alex Ferguson was met with controversy due to his previous affiliation with Liverpool, United’s arch-rivals. Despite this, Owen spent three seasons at Old Trafford and contributed to the team’s success, including winning the Premier League title in 2011. While injuries hampered his time on the field, Owen provided memorable moments, such as his last-gasp winner against Manchester City in the derby.
3) Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia, known for his versatility and work ethic, initially declined the opportunity to wear the No. 7 shirt when offered. Instead, he chose the No. 25. Valencia’s consistency and reliability earned him the club’s Player of the Year award in the 2011/12 season. However, his form dipped after taking on the No. 7 shirt, with just one league goal to his name. Nevertheless, Valencia’s loyalty and commitment to the club throughout his career cannot be overlooked.
2) Edinson Cavani
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Edinson Cavani, a South American striker, was entrusted with the No. 7 shirt during the 2020/21 campaign. He made an impact, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership on and off the pitch. Cavani’s contributions helped United reach the Europa League final and secure a second-place finish in the Premier League. Despite being overshadowed by recent events, his time wearing the No. 7 jersey will be remembered fondly.
1) Cristiano Ronaldo
The undisputed winner of this ranking is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo himself. Returning to Manchester United after his initial departure, Ronaldo immediately made an impact. He became the team’s top scorer and a beacon of hope in a challenging season. Though his recent actions have caused controversy, there is no denying Ronaldo’s unparalleled talent and the positive influence he had on the team.
FAQs
Q: Who will be wearing the No. 7 shirt for Manchester United next?
A: The latest addition to the prestigious No. 7 legacy at Manchester United is Mason Mount. The young English midfielder will have the opportunity to create his own chapter in the history of this iconic shirt.
Q: What other famous No. 7s have played for Manchester United?
A: Some of the most notable No. 7s in Manchester United’s history include George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Q: Is the No. 7 shirt considered a curse at Manchester United?
A: While some players have struggled to live up to the expectations set by the previous No. 7s, the club remains optimistic that future wearers of the shirt will make their mark and contribute to the team’s success.
Conclusion
The Manchester United No. 7 shirt carries a weight of expectations, as each player who wears it is compared to the legends that came before. While there have been ups and downs since Ronaldo’s departure, the legacy of this iconic shirt continues to inspire the next generation of players. Mason Mount now has the opportunity to add his name to the illustrious list of No. 7s, and fans eagerly await his journey in the famous jersey.
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Danh mục: Sport
