As they look to replace the legendary number seven jersey worn by the team since its founding, Manchester United may break their third commitment to Jadon Sancho.
Throughout their careers, a wide range of the club’s most illustrious players, including as George Best, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona, have worn the shirt. Cristiano Ronaldo, a forward from Portugal, was the most recent tenant. During his two stints at Old Trafford, he wore the number twice.
His contract’s remaining days were revoked, and he left in December amid controversy. After that, Ronaldo changed teams, joining the Saudi team Al-Nassr, where he was once again given the number seven jersey.
Since then, it has remained vacant while United considers its options for the upcoming campaign. From the Red Devils’ present attacking options, there are a few contenders for the shirt, but an early frontrunner seems to be emerging.
The club is ‘considering’ making Alejandro Garnacho their new number seven for the upcoming season, according to the Manchester Evening News. Last season, he had an outstanding breakout season at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old Argentine played 34 times for the Red Devils in all competitions, making six goals and dishing out the same number of assists. In April, he was given a new five-year deal as compensation.
Erik ten Hag runs the tiny risk of upsetting the Old Trafford apple cart, despite the fact that he would be a great candidate for the shirt. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had earlier offered the number to Garnacho’s attacking teammate Sancho, who had been linked to a summer 2020 transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford.
He had to stay with Dortmund since the Red Devils and the German team could not come to an agreement on a transfer fee. Even though United did manage to secure his signature a year later in a £73 million transfer, he was unable to obtain the number.
Due to Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani’s refusal to switch, he was obliged to take 25. Finally giving in, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker did so only for Ronaldo, who had already cemented his sentimental return to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese striker had a successful first season back at United, scoring 24 goals in his first season. Last season, he only registered three goals before departing under difficult circumstances.
Garnacho, whose season was derailed by injury, made a comeback in the last weeks and will enter the new season hoping to be healthy and on fire. The 2023–24 season for the Red Devils gets underway at Old Trafford versus Wolves.
Erik ten Hag also wants to add to his attacking options despite his apparent faith in Garnacho to become a first-team regular.