The Manchester United No.7 shirt is adorned with a lot of history and fond memories.
It is considered the most honourable and prestigious shirt number that any player can wear at Old Trafford, considering some of the legendary players to have worn it in the past.
Mason Mount is the current player who is assuming the No.7 shirt at Old Trafford, but he has failed to really perform as per the expectations of any player wearing that particular number.
Mount has only scored four goals in 46 appearances for the Red Devils since joining them from Chelsea in 2023. He has seemingly become a victim to the supposed ‘curse’ of the No.7 shirt that has haunted players to have worn it since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009.
Over the last decade, the likes of Angel di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Edinson Cavani have all donned the shirt but failed to perform at a high level or enjoy a memorable career at Old Trafford.
That doesn’t, of course, mean that the No. 7 shirt has not been assumed by some highly impactful players.
There have been some club legends who have elevated the shirt number’s prestige with their impact for the Red Devils and how they helped them win major titles.
Here, we look at the five best players to have worn the Manchester United no.7 shirt in the club’s history.
5. Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson is widely considered one of the most inspiring captains to have ever played for Manchester United.
The Englishman joined Manchester United from West Bromwich Albion in 1981 and was handed the acclaimed No.7 jersey as a result. He held that kit for a decade, leading from the front with his proactive, energetic presence in the midfield.
Robson helped Manchester United win three FA Cup titles in the 1980s as their No.7, as well as helping them win the European Cup Winners Cup in 1991 while holding that role.
Robson ended up making 446 appearances for the Red Devils in his career, scoring 97 goals for them and being a major driving force in the midfield.
He remains one of the most industrious No. 7 options they ever had and a unique case where a central midfielder excelled wearing the No. 7 shirt.
4. David Beckham
For football fans growing up in the 1990s or early 2000s, David Beckham was THE superstar of English football and the major eye-catching figure for Manchester United.
Beckham came through the Red Devils’ academy and his incredible creative qualities helped him bag the No.7 shirt at Manchester United in 1995.
He almost thrived under the pressure of being the ‘main man’ at Manchester United and was fortunate enough to play with a number of quality teammates at Old Trafford.
Beckham created numerous fond memories during his time as their No.7, helping them win six Premier League titles and two FA Cup titles!
He also guided them to the famous European Treble in the 1998/99 season.
He left Old Trafford in 2003 for Real Madrid, but with an admirable legacy in which he scored 85 goals and provided 121 assists in 394 appearances for Manchester United, remaining as one of their greatest wingers of all time and someone whose crossing and free-kick techniques are still celebrated till this day.
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3. George Best
It can be strongly argued that the player responsible for really elevating the prestige of the Manchester United No.7 shirt was George Best.
The Irish winger was a one-of-a-kind player who played a key role in the Red Devils’ success in the 1960s.
He played football at what felt like an effortless pace, dribbling past players at ease, controlling the ball like it was stuck to him like glue, always driving his team to key goal-scoring areas.
Best wore the No.7 shirt with pride, with his exciting playing style and irresistible swagger helping bring a sense of specialness to the shirt.
Best helped Manchester United win two top division titles and their first-ever European Cup (UEFA Champions League) title, scoring 179 goals and providing 61 assists in a highly memorable career for the Red Devils.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo surprised many fans when he was handed the Manchester United No.7 shirt upon his arrival from Sporting CP in 2003.
However, after a shaky start, he not only proved that he can thrive under the pressure of that number but also uplift the overall prestige of the shirt.
Ronaldo had an amazing rise at Manchester United, earning the ‘CR7’ nickname because of his heroics with the No.7 shirt.
Ronaldo’s ruthlessness in front of goal, his trickery and ability to be in the right places helped him torment Premier League defenders.
He helped the Red Devils win three back-to-back Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in his initial stint.
His ‘return’ to Old Trafford as the Manchester United No.7 might not have been that successful, but Ronaldo remains one of the Red Devils’ all-time greatest players with 145 goals and 64 assists in 346 appearances.
1. Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona is widely considered as the person who created the spark for Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance as Manchester United manager.
The controversial French forward was signed from rivals Leeds United in 1992, marking the start of a legendary career.
Cantona was immediately given the No. 7 shirt at Manchester United along with the pressure of that number almost triggered a transformation to help him perform at a much higher level.
Cantona’s sheer influence transformed Manchester United, making them more entertaining to watch because of his brilliant goals.
He helped the Red Devils win four Premier League titles as well as two FA Cups, consistently stealing the show in the big games with his goal contributions.
Cantona scored 82 goals and provided 63 assists in only 185 games for the Red Devils, raising the popularity of the No.7 shirt and ensuring that the number continues to be held as a highly lucrative asset for any player.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PA Images
Recording Date: 02.09.2021