Manchester United is one of the most successful clubs in English football history, and they have had some incredible players wear the No. 7 shirt over the years. The No. 7 shirt is one of the most iconic numbers in football, and it is often associated with the best attacking players in a team. In this article, we will rank Manchester United’s No. 7 legends, taking into account their achievements, impact on the club, and overall quality as footballers.
7. Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia joined Manchester United in 2009, and he quickly established himself as a solid and reliable player for the club. He wore the No. 7 shirt for a brief period in the 2012-13 season, but he is not considered a true No. 7 legend. Valencia was a versatile player who could play as a winger or a full-back, and he was known for his impressive pace and crossing ability. He won two Premier League titles and the Europa League during his time at Manchester United, but he did not have the same impact as the other players on this list.
6. George Best
George Best is one of the most iconic players in Manchester United’s history, but he did not wear the No. 7 shirt for very long. Best wore the No. 11 shirt for most of his career, but he did wear the No. 7 shirt briefly in the 1968-69 season. Despite this, Best’s quality as a player cannot be denied. He was a highly-skilled winger who could dribble past defenders with ease, and he was a key player in Manchester United’s European Cup-winning team in 1968. Best’s off-field troubles and early retirement mean that he cannot be ranked higher on this list, but he is still regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Manchester United shirt.
5. Michael Owen
Michael Owen only wore the No. 7 shirt for one season at Manchester United, but he had a significant impact during his time at the club. Owen joined Manchester United on a free transfer in 2009, and he scored some important goals for the club, including a late winner against Manchester City in the Manchester derby. Owen was not at his peak when he joined Manchester United, but he was still a clinical finisher who could change a game with one moment of brilliance.
4. Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson wore the No. 7 shirt for most of his career at Manchester United, and he is one of the most beloved players in the club’s history. Robson was a dynamic midfielder who could score goals and dominate games with his physicality and energy. He won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time at Manchester United, and he was the captain of the team during one of their most successful periods in the 1980s. Robson’s leadership and passion for the club make him a true legend, and his impact on the team cannot be underestimated.
3. Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona is one of the most iconic and enigmatic players in Manchester United’s history, and he wore the No. 7 shirt during his time at the club. Cantona joined Manchester United in 1992 and immediately became a cult hero among the fans. He was a gifted playmaker who could create chances for his teammates, but he was also known for his flair and his ability to score spectacular goals. Cantona won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his time at Manchester United, and he was a key player in the team that won the treble in 1999. Cantona’s impact on the team and his status as a cultural icon make him one of the greatest No. 7s in Manchester United’s history.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he wore the No. 7 shirt during his six-year spell at Manchester United. Ronaldo joined Manchester United as a young winger in 2003, and he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the world. He was a prolific goalscorer who could score from anywhere on the pitch, and he was also a gifted dribbler and playmaker. Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or during his time at Manchester United, and he left the club as one of the most successful and celebrated players in their history.
1. David Beckham
David Beckham is the ultimate No. 7 legend at Manchester United. He wore the shirt for over a decade and became synonymous with the number and the club. Beckham was a technically-gifted midfielder who had an incredible ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and set-piece goals. He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League during his time at Manchester United, and he was a key part of the team that won the treble in 1999. Beckham’s impact on the club and his global popularity make him the greatest No. 7 in Manchester United’s history.
In conclusion, Manchester United has had some incredible No. 7 legends over the years, but David Beckham stands out as the best of the best. Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona were both exceptional players, Beckham’s longevity and impact on the club make him the ultimate No. 7 legend.
