WATCH: A history of Manchester United No. 7s

Sport360 staff 20:50 29/03/2017
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  • The No. 7 shirt is part of Manchester United folklore, thanks to the number of great players who have donned the number.

    George Best wore it briefly, although the legend of the number grew much later, thanks to a succession of great No. 7s in the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s.

    Bryan Robson, fondly remembered as Captain Marvel for his all-action displays in midfield, was arguably the first one to truly shine while getting an extended run in the No. 7 shirt, and he was followed by three more club legends.

    Eric Cantona’s swagger became synonymous with the number as he led Manchester United to greatness at the beginning of the Premier League era, with his famous stoic celebration after a delightful chip against Sunderland was the perfect fit for United’s No. 7 shirt.

    After Cantona, it was David Beckham’s turn, and as the Englishman was arguably the modern football era’s first global superstar, he more than lived up to the star billing of his shirt number. The same could be said of his successor, Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the first Manchester United player since Best in 1968 to win the Ballon D’Or.

    The post-Ronaldo story of the United No. 7 has been disappointing, with Antonio Valencia choosing to relinquish the shirt after struggling early in his Old Trafford career, and Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay both proving to be flops during short spells at the club. Michael Owen had his moments, but United are still looking for their next legendary No. 7.

    Antoine Griezmann, anyone or if wilder reports are to be believed… Neymar?

    Who do you think is Manchester United’s best-ever No. 7?

    Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook, and check out uMAXit Football’s YouTube channel for more videos.

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