Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo would wear his trademark jersey number seven in his second spell at Old Trafford.
Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo attained legendary status at Old Trafford wearing jersey number seven between 2003 and 2009. He continued with the brand a season after he joined Real Madrid for a world transfer record.
After using the shirt number for about 8 years at Real Madrid, he joined Juventus in 2018 and continued with the number seven legacy which is arguably incomparable to any other player who has worn the shirt number in the past.
When the five-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to return to Manchester United with a season left on his contract with Juventus in August 2021, the question was, which jersey number would he wear since Edison Cavani was already wearing shirt number 7 at Old Trafford?
Recall that the Uruguayan striker wore the shirt number when he played for Manchester United in the Premier League game against Wolves last weekend.
Fortunately for Ronaldo’s fans that wanted to see their idol continue with the jersey number 7 brand, Manchester United were able to reach a compromise with all the parties involved and the shirt number has returned to Ronaldo.
This means that in Ronaldo’s two-season stay at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old Portuguese forward would wear the shirt number which he first inherited at Old Trafford from legendary David Beckham.
As for Edison Cavani, the Uruguayan football icon has been assigned shirt number 21, the same shirt number he wears whenever he is on international duties with Uruguay national team.
In a statement Manchester United published on their official website on Thursday, September 2, Ronaldo is likely to wear the shirt number on Saturday, September 11 to face Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The Premier League match is expected to kick off at 15:00.
The statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the iconic no.7 shirt after returning to Old Trafford.
“The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell with the club and we can confirm that Cristiano will have it on his back once again. Fans can order the new Ronaldo no.7 shirts now from United Direct.
“In his first six seasons at the club, between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo made 292 appearances and scored 118 goals, winning nine trophies including three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
“As we all know, the no. 7 is a special number in the history of United. It has previously been worn by club icons like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Now, it returns to the man who succeeded Beckham in it, Ronaldo.
“Ronaldo inherits the number from Edinson Cavani, who wore the shirt last season and in our away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
“As our new signing is allocated no.7, El Matador will switch to no.21, the same number our prolific striker wears for the Uruguayan national team.”
𝙉𝙤𝙬 it’s official 😍
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2021
7️⃣ @Cristiano#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns
