Is it at all possible that Manchester United ‘s number seven shirt has become something of a poisoned chalice?
Growing up, any footballer that wore that Red Devils jersey was considered a god.
A player that put on Manchester United’s number seven shirt instantly became Manchester United’s best player. It was fact.
You had George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Some of the finest footballers on the planet – and they took the shirt in and made it their own.
It is because of these legends that kids (and adults) everywhere fought to wear the number seven shirt for their local teams every Saturday and Sunday.
The number became more than a number – it became a symbol.
But one day something changed. The bearers of the shirt became progressively worse.
Michael Owen was the first to start this trend. The Liverpool legend stepped in following Ronaldo’s world record departure to Real Madrid.
Despite winning the 2010-11 Premier League, Owen’s highlight for many United fans will always be that last-minute goal against City.
He did a job, but he had nothing on his predecessors.
Antonio Valencia was the next player to be awarded the shirt. It was the Ecuadorian’s reward for claiming the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award after his superb 2011-12 season.
A year later and Valencia handed the shirt back. Was it any coincidence that while he carried the number Valencia had his worst ever season at Old Trafford? Who knows.
An entire season went by with the number vacant. You got the feeling that it was being saved for something special.
Which is why when Angel Di Maria signed for a club record fee in 2014, many thought he would be the next name on that great, great list.
But after a topsy-turvy season the Argentine left as quickly as he arrived.
Enter Memphis Depay. Eredivisie’s player of the year and a boy that had all confidence come cockiness of someone who could rescue the number seven shirt.
But like those recently before him, he stalled.
The rest, as we say, is current news.
Not since 2009 has the number been gifted the quality it’s deserved. So what next?
We look at seven options and rank the likelihood of them joining.
Willian – Chance of signing: 2/5
Had this story been done three weeks ago his likelihood rating would have been higher.
The Brazilian was a Jose Mourinho signing and did brilliantly at Chelsea under the Portuguese. Even during Mourinho’s final season at Stamford Bridge Willian was his diamond in the rough.
But under Antonio Conte, Willian has failed to find the same faith. The Italian has preferred Hazard and Pedro to support Costa in attack.
However, with their star striker recently playing up Willian has found himself back in the side – and flourishing.
You get the feeling his Chelsea future very much depends on Costa’s.
Bernardo Silva – Chance of signing: 3/5
The first thing you need to know about Monaco’s Bernardo Silva is that his agent is Jorge Mendes – the same as Jose Mourinho’s.
He’s 22 and considered to be one of the brightest rising stars in Europe.
The Portuguese playmaker has featured in 19 of Monaco’s 20 league matches this season – a side which sit second in Ligue 1, above PSG.
And he’s beginning to make his presence known on the international stage, too. Two substituted appearances in the Euros have been backed up with two starts in Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers.
Jose may fancy his countryman to don the shirt.
Kasper Dolberg – Chance of signing: 3/5
At just 19 years old this guy is making a serious name for himself.
Dolberg has well and truly broken through this season. He’s netted 11 goals in 28 games and even earned his first Denmark cap.
He’s quick, technical and very, very good at finding the back of the net.
In fact, there’s not really much more to say – just watch this world class hat-trick.
Moussa Dembele – Chance of signing: 3/5
The Frenchman is having a fantastic first season with Celtic.
Dembele always looked a class above at Fulham, and he’s really starting to unravel under Brendan Rodgers.
The 20-year-old has netted an impressive 19 goals in 36 games so far this term, and has attracted plenty of interest.
As well having bags of pace he’s a deadly finisher that takes nearly every chance that comes his way.
It won’t be long before he leaves the Scottish Premiership – could his destination be Old Trafford? He has the potential.
Ousmane Dembele – Chance of signing: 2/5
If there’s one thing worth knowing about this chap – it’s that he’s absolutely rapid.
For a 19-year-old in his debut season, Dembele has established himself pretty well within Dortmund’s side this term.
24 appearances, five goals a number of key assists and some outstanding performances from a man who is more often than not deployed out wide.
Given his age, his potential is close to ridiculous – but that may just be United’s downfall.
A club of Dortmund’s stature will be unlikely to let him go.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Chance of signing: 1/5
Could it happen? Probably not. But for as long as he plays the link will always be there.
Main factors against the move? He signed a five-year contract extension as recently as November. He’s also previously said that he wants to spend the rest of his career at Real Madrid.
Factors for? He loves Manchester United. And while Sir Alex Ferguson sits on the board there’s always that hint of hope.
If anyone could bring back the number seven shirt to life, perhaps it’s the man it disappeared with.
Antoine Griezmann – Chance of signing: 4/5
The most likely candidate of all.
Antoine Griezmann needs no introduction. The Atletico Madrid forward would be a fantastic addition to any team, but you get the feeling if he were to sit at the top of a United attack with Mkhitarayan on the right, Martial on the left and Pogba just behind – United would be devastating.
He’s done it in La Liga, he’s done it on the international stage – now it’s time he did it in the Premier League.
Pogba would more than make him feel at home and there’s surely no doubting that he would do the Manchester United number seven shirt proud.
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