Fans’ views are split on Ronaldo taking the No. 7 shirt from Cavani

It’s been the most asked question since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Manchester United last week - ‘what will Ronaldo’s shirt number be?’ was the most searched-for term online since then, according to Google Trends.

The club has now confirmed the Portugeuse star will reclaim his iconic number 7 shirt - meaning Edinson Cavani will play in number 21, despite wearing the 7 jersey against Wolves last weekend.

The mid-season change needed consent from the Premier League.

Football fans have been divided in their reactions to the announcement, with some excited at the move while others feeling it was disrespectful to Cavani - and some were concerned they had already bought shirts which now have the wrong numbers on.

Here is a selection of fan views from Twitter:

@dalexutI: “I don’t like players taking other players’ numbers. I think Cavani deserved to keep the 7.”

@bazi9: “Feels like heaven. Ronaldo is seven!”

@mikehaycox: “I think for transparency it’s only fair (Utd) reveal what reasoning was given for this change and why it was accepted by the premier league so other clubs can be offered the same chance to swap numbers mid season?!”

@enricoa95: “Cavani is relatively new to the club and wears number 21 for the national team, so I think this is fair. He’s also a great professional and doesn’t seem to care too much about these trivial things.”

@danileregha: “Manchester United swapping Edinson Cavani’s No. 7 with Ronaldo’s No. 21 jersey is quite disrespectfu!; Ronaldo should have worn the No. 21, it’s truly no big deal. What matters is winning the game as a team & elevating the club. Messi wearing No. 30 at PSG doesn’t fade his light.”

@421452: “Ronaldo’s 7 is a brand though. A brand he’s worked very hard on for years.”

@tim_clement_: “Great, we got our twins Cavani shirts with 7 on for their birthdays. £200 down the drain. Classy move putting a player before the fans and another player.”

Let us know what you think: tweet us @mancworlduk