The Curse of the Number 7 and the Revitalisation.

The number 7 dilemma has grown ever since Iconic figures like Bryan Robson, George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham have all worn this great shirt at Old Trafford and have pass it down to the greatest of all time Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United have struggled to fill the void ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid.

Finding Replacement for Number 7 jersey

So many Wingers/Attackers have tried to come fill in the void with the likes of;

Micheal Owen

He was signed from Newcastle around 2009 making 31 Appearances and netting 5 times. Though he had few impact like scoring a crucial late goal against Man city around 2010-2011 Season.

The former England forward never lived up to expectations due to his niggling injuries that affected his form, before he was sold to Stoke City.

Antonio Valencia

This Ecuadorian winger inherited the number 7 jersey from the outgoing Micheal Owen , he was signed from Wigan as a replacement to fill the void.

It was a roller coaster ride for the Ecuadorian who failed to live up to expectation, his position was switched to the right back until his career came to an end at Manchester United.

Angel Di Maria

The Argentine flying winger was signed from Real Madrid around 2014 Season for a hefty fee, he was loved by the fans and adored by many, his form was on the run instantly even though the Gaffer tactics wasn’t appealing.

The former Los Blancos star still show some flashes until the disaster struck leading to his exit, his home was burgled which left the winger shattered & angry that prompt him to demand for a transfer ASAP. His request was granted and that was how the curse of the iconic number 7 continues.

Memphis Depay

The Dutch man was acquired from PSV by Louis Van Gaal after his great feat at the 2014 World Cup. He was given the iconic number 7 Shirt and he was off to good start. Life in the fast lane, glitz and glamour get to him, which led to his detoriation before being shipped out to Lyon.

Alexis Sanchez

He was touted to be a grand signing, his announcement on Social Media was unrivalled, coming as a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Chilean started well with sparks, eventually his form dipped, he fell down the pecking order before he was sold to Inter Milan.

Edinson Cavani

Signed from PSG, he is a breath of fresh air for United, taking the number 7 shirt in his stride. His instinct and charisma have brought back the fear factor and winning mentality at this great club. He is a mentor to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James. Undoubtedly they are all learning from his physical presence in the box and his all round play on the pitch.

Conclusion

It is only a matter of time before the gaffer will be grateful for our number 7 aka El Matador. A prime leader up front and hopefully he will get an extension on his contract.

Author: Aruna Mann