Ronaldo’s new shirt number - how will it impact other players, a history of No.7 and what Utd fans think

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, which was confirmed on Tuesday morning, means there’s a recurring question among Manchester United fans: what shirt number will the Portuguese superstar wear?

Nothing has been confirmed by the club yet, but reports claim that United are keen for Ronaldo to wear his old No.7 jersey and refresh the iconic CR7 brand.

But whether this is a possibility seems much less certain as Edinson Cavani currently owns that jersey, and there is a possibility Ronaldo could be forced to wear an alternative shirt number.

What’s been reported?

Journalist Jonathan Shrager reported on Sunday that Ronaldo would take the No.7 shirt, with Sky Sports claiming today (Tuesday) that United had officially lodged an request with the Premier League to change Cavani’s shirt to No.21, following Daniel James’s move to Leeds United, leaving No.7 free for the new Red Devils signing.

Who else wore No.7?

Even for a club like United this is a pretty stellar list with George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham previously holding the shirt number.

In fact, it was the last of those who Ronaldo took the No.7 from when he departed to Real Madrid in 2003.

Who took over after Ronaldo?

That’s where the trail becomes a little less hot. Michael Owen was given the number in 2009, although he played just over 50 times for the club.

Antonio Valencia was next but after a season he reverted to 25. Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez also failed to shine in the No.7, before Cavani did impress with his one season wearing the shirt in 2020/21.

What do the fans think?

@DanielMulley90: “Any other @ManUtd fans thinking the same as me - can the club plz hurry up confirming Ronaldo’s number so I can order my shirt!”

@HereNow100: “Cavani must want to give Ronaldo the number 7 shirt. He should not be told or "encouraged" to give it.”

@_Rob_B: “The No.7 shirt on Ronaldo’s back will generate millions more than on Cavani’s. Can’t escape the commercial reasons. The number is sacred at #MUFC, and yes, it’s just a number. However, the #CR7 brand is one of the biggest in football.”

@GAstore01: “Yes it matters. Probably not for many players but definitely for Ronaldo and Man Utd. It’s a brand tagged and every value accrue to the owners.”

@Lostie07: “Thank you @premierleague and @ManUtd for showing common sense by letting Ronny have the number 7 shirt. It wouldn’t have felt right without @Cristiano as CR7. The number 7 is his, he’s earned it!”