With Cristiano Ronaldo likely to leave Manchester United in January to enable him play in the Champions League, either Antony or Jadon Sancho might inherit his iconic shirt number seven.
David Beckham, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, and Ronaldo are among those who have worn this shirt and have pulled off impressive performances.
Michael Owen, Memphis Depay, and Antonio Valencia, as well as former Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, have also put on the Number 7 jersey but failed to live up to expectations.
Those who have had difficulty wearing the Jersey haven’t had as much confidence in their own abilities, and it has become clear.
Ronaldo initially had no interest in wearing the number 7 jersey when he joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon, but his confidence continued to grow as he proved to the world just how competent he is, and as a result, he has become one of the players to excel while wearing the legendary shirt.
Before Cristiano Ronaldo return to Manchester United last season, Manchester United handed the number 7 Jersey over to former PSG striker Edinson Cavani, who put a smile on the faces of the fans and was linked to breaking the Number 7 Jersey jinx.
Now that the Uruguayan is no longer a part of the club’s plans, the club will likely give the shirt number to the next generation of youngsters who are vibrantly sound and capable of keeping the highest level of consistency.
From all indications, Antony and Jadon Sancho seem like the major contenders for the shirt number once Ronaldo leaves the club in January or next summer. The two wingers are outstanding performers with exceptional skills and potential.
Jadon Sancho
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jadon Sancho, a player United bought from Borussia Dortmund, was unable to live up to his high price tag.
Although he has been at United for close to three seasons, with 46 appearances, the winger scored eight goals and added three assists. Fortunately, Sancho has recently discovered his shooting form again under Erik Ten Hag.
If the right winger performs at his peak level and maintains his level of consistency, he is likely to wear shirt number seven once Ronaldo drops it.
Note that the former Borussia Dortmund winger also put on some outstanding displays while donning the number 7 jersey in Germany.
Antony
Erik Ten Hag insisted that Manchester United should sign Antony from Ajax, against all odds. Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold granted the manager’s wish after a series of back and forth between United and Ajax.
In his first match against Arsenal, Antony showed what he is capable of with quick dribbles, the ability to break defenses, and a decisive, and well-placed goal against the Gunners.
But for him to get the iconic number 7, he needs to do more work and make fans cheer for his name. Both Sancho and Antony have a similar style of play and they can be regarded as Manchester United’s future players.
In addition, various powerhouses in the Manchester United dressing room deserve to put on the shirt if Ronaldo leaves. Hence, at the end of the day, who pushes added for it might earn it when the 37-year-old Portuguese football icon finally leaves the Theatre of Dreams.
