With Manchester United, Marcus Rashford presently dons the No. 10 jersey, as he has since 2018. The Red Devils may award the England international the most unique shirt of all, though, since he is in the best shape of his life. As Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford, the No. 7 is now vacant, and it will take a huge person to follow in the international star’s shoes.
Many people weren’t sure what to make of Rashford at the start of the season.
He had fallen behind many others at United last season as the team struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Only five goals were scored by Rashford, who some thought should be released after failing to develop since breaking through in 2016.
Not, however, the 25-year-old himself.
In order to buckle down and go to work on improving his fitness, Rashford made the decision to do so back in the summer.
Ten Hag was immediately taken with the attacker as a result of realizing the effort and commitment he was making behind the scenes.
Since then, Rashford has undergone a complete transformation as a player.
The 22 goals he has scored across all competitions are a record for the England international at the club.
Rashford was outstanding against Barcelona on Thursday night, providing the Catalan powerhouses with a variety of difficulties thanks to his pace and potency.
Everyone, including Ten Hag, Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves, and the Spanish press, praised his performance for its excellence.
Why not give Rashford the No. 7 jersey since it is currently empty?
The No. 10 is still a treasured jersey number for the team, having been worn by legends like Denis Law and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The No. 7 is altogether different, though.
In 1968, Red Devils star George Best helped the team win the Champions League with just one digit on his back.
Just ten years had passed since the Munich Flight Tragedy, which cruelly claimed the lives of eight Busby Babes members.
Another outstanding player arrived in 1992.
According to the proverb, United signed Eric Cantona away from Leeds, and the rest is history.
While at Old Trafford, the 56-year-old led the team to four Premier League championships and two FA Cup victories.
Before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, David Beckham would also go down in history as a United icon while wearing the No. 7 on his back.
And then there is Ronaldo, of course.
After Beckham was replaced, the Portugal international arrived as a shaky adolescent, little known at the time.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo went on to become a superstar, helping the team win the Champions League and three league championships in 2008.
The 38-year-old nonetheless made an impression last season with 24 goals across all competitions, despite the fact that his second stint at the club fell short of expectations.
This summer, United is likely to sign a big player, especially if a takeover is approved.
There are already rumors of massive transfers for Paris Saint-Kylian Germain’s Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund’s Joshua Bellingham to join the team.
Rashford, however, is already a player deserving of the No. 7 position.
And if he keeps on this pace, he’ll make his own mark on United mythology.