Man United’s Best Ever Number 7s – From Robson To Ronaldo

In this article we count down Man United’s best ever number 7s in what is one of the most iconic jerseys in world football.

Man United recently signed Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55m + £5m in add-ons. United fans are generally really excited by the signing of the talented young England midfielder. However, one detail that many fans have taken issue with is the decision to give Mount the coveted Man United number 7 jersey.

This is one of the most iconic jersey’s in the world of football, perhaps the most iconic and many feel that Mount is not deserving of being given this jersey. That is an understandable take when you consider the greats of the game that have donned this famous jersey before Mount.

That got us thinking; who are the greatest players to ever wear the Man United number 7 jersey?

Let’s take a look at Man United’s Top-5 Best #7s of all-time that Mount will be looking to emulate at The Theatre of Dreams.

Man United’s Best Ever Number 7s

5. Bryan Robson

Ironically, this list starts off with the last midfielder to don the iconic #7, and in fairness, his period at the club is one of the reasons why the number has the legacy that it does. “Captain Marvel” made 461 appearances for the club, scoring 99 goals and winning nine senior trophies.

We recently looked at those who the #7 jersey was too big for in another post… But Robson typified the iconic figure and personality that should be wearing the jersey. The box-to-box midfielder’s leadership and personality was a huge part of the club’s success during his time at Manchester United, laying the groundwork for the club’s future success.

Bryan Robson: United through and through 🔴⚪️⚫️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/XogLOfxmuQ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2019

4. David Beckham

Another one of Manchester United’s iconic #7s. It shows the quality of this list when another world class footballer like Beckham is only good enough to be ranked fourth. A key member of the ‘Class of 92’ made the shirt his own with scintillating passes, trademark free-kicks, and pinpoint crossing.

He was earmarked for this success from a very early age.

When 14 year old David Beckham signed for Manchester United pic.twitter.com/L1E2Cddry4

— 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 – aka Larry 🇾🇪 (@Cantona_Collars) May 10, 2023

During his time at the club, Beckham won six Premier League titles and a Champions League, contributing 85 goals in 394 appearances. Beckham’s global fame and on-field success make him one of United’s most recognised number sevens.

3. George Best

Best is the archetype Manchester United #7 when it comes to talent and player profile. For 11 years, the Northern Irishman treated fans to breathtaking pieces of skill and flair, which captivated audiences. The Nothern Irish legend scored 137 goals in 361 appearances for the club and won the Ballon d’Or in 1968 whilst playing for Man United.

That Ballon d’Or trophy was earned partly for his exploits as part of United’s 1968 European Cup-winning team.

Best is considered one of the clubs “Holy Trinity” with Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. What is even scarier is the fact that had he been as good of a professional as he was a footballer, his footballing legacy could have been even more illustrious.

Benfica v Manchester United-1966-George Best at his Best. pic.twitter.com/tAMldJG8ci

— gary h (@garyh31887083) July 5, 2023

2. Eric Cantona

Cantona is another iconic #7 for Manchester United, having arrived at the club from Leeds United for £1 million on 26 November 1992, which marked their period of dominance in the Premier League.

You talk about the Manchester United jersey and, specifically, the #7 being too big for lots of players, but it seemed to fit the Frenchman like a glove. During his five-year term at the club, he scored 82 goals in 185 appearances and was instrumental in United winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups, making him a clear club legend.

Cantona’s charisma, skill, and leadership symbolised why the #7 jersey is so important to the club.

“You can change your wife, your politics, your religion, but never, never can you change your favorite football team.” – Eric Cantona #MUFC pic.twitter.com/udS7RqKFYL

— Red Devil May Care (@MUFC_America) June 30, 2023

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, by my reckoning, is the greatest ever player to don the #7 at Manchester United. But nobody would’ve thought that when he first arrived at the club as a skinny teenager on the 12th of August 2003. He was even labelled by many for some time as a “show pony”.

What stands out for me above all is a quote by George Best in 2003 about Ronaldo, “There have been a few players described as ‘the new George Best’ over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”

Ronaldo would go on to fulfil that promise of spectacular goals, blistering pace, and unmatched skill, with 118 goals in his first spell at the club between 2003-2009 followed by his world record transfer to Real Madrid.

His trophy haul at the club in his first spell was sensational. Three consecutive Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, and the 2008 Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo’s second spell at the club was less fruitful, and his departure could have gone better, but that doesn’t take away from the fact he is the greatest #7 in the club’s history.

For those who didn’t watch Cristiano Ronaldo in his Manchester United days.

Here’s a short video pic.twitter.com/YWWgym3z28

— BurnHard ™️ (@Burn_Hard1213) July 5, 2023

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