The hallowed number 7 - Who's next in line for Manchester United?

The number 7. An iconic number across a number of cultures, three doors down from 10 Downing Street, 7-11 convenience stores, James Bond, but the number 7 is no more iconic than on the back of a player wearing the famous red of Manchester United.

Legends

The list of players to have worn the shirt is glittered with club legends. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham & Cristiano Ronaldo have all worn the famous number scoring a combined total of 565 goals in 1806 appearances, with the likes of Johnny Berry and Steve Coppell wearing the number before them. There have of course been some players who have wanted the shirt and not lived up to the weight the number carries, or have been given the shirt as a boost of confidence that did not have the desired effect. The holders of the '7' since Cristiano Ronaldo departed these shores for his record breaking exploits at Real Madrid have failed to follow in his footsteps. Admittedly this would be incredibly difficult, nigh on impossible, considering his stature in the game and one who will inevitably go down as one of the greatest players of all time. The incumbents include a well past his prime Michael Owen (Manchester Derby winner aside), Antonio Valencia, Angel Di Maria & Memphis Depay.

..... Not so much

On paper, the above four players would form a killer 5-a-side team (add myself as the keeper and you're on to a winner), however, tasked with the number 7 shirt, they all failed to deliver. So much was the burden on Valencia, that after one season with the shirt, he decided to revert back to his normal 25. Since this change, his performances improved remarkably resulting in nothing short of a sensational season this year under Jose Mourinho. Angel Di Maria shone early on following his (then) British transfer record fee but faded towards the end of the season eventually being kept out of the team by Ashley Young before being sold to PSG lasting only one year in Manchester. The less said about Memphis Depay's stint, the better. Showing much promise on his first few appearances, including a brace against Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier, his performances were not what was expected of the £25million signing from PSV and, a year and a half later, he was shipped off to Lyon.

Following Memphis' departure in January, the number 7 shirt lies dormant once more. Who will be the player to step forth and erupt the shirt back to its former glory (sorry, I lava the puns). Will it be an extravagant new signing, or someone who is already currently in the first team squad? Let's take a look -

Antoine Griezmann

A player who has been linked with Manchester United in a similar mould to us signing Wesley Sneijder for 17 consecutive transfer windows, and up until recently, was looking fairly likely for a deal to be struck this summer. A player blessed with pace, a superior finishing ability and a stunning celebration, he would be the first player since Ronaldo to do the shirt justice. If he were to sign, it may well take a world record transfer fee to prize him away from Atletico's grasp. You have to admit that at this stage, Atletico are the better performing side. Consistent deep runs in the Champions League, including two of the last three finals, and making the big two in Spain a big three (or big two and the slightly annoying little brother who just won't leave you alone) mean that staying at Atletico is a very real and probable possibility. Throw in the fact that Madrid has a significantly higher percentage of days of sun than Manchester, and you probably have your answer as to where Antoine will be paying his council tax at the end of the summer. Recently coming out and saying that he is happy in Madrid means that this move is looking more unlikely by the day. However the same thing was said about Paul Pogba's #POGBACK move last summer, so never say never.

Could Old Trafford be witnessing this next season?

Marcus Rashford

Rashford's new shirt number next season? Ft excellent Photoshop skills

What is there to be said about the boy wonder that hasn't been said before. Bursting onto the scene in spectacular fashion as a literal unheard of 18 year old, his progress in the last year has been nothing short of insane. From making his first team debut in February to scoring within three minutes of his international debut and actually 'making the plane' to Euro 2016, he has already racked up over 50 appearances as a teenager for the United first team and 8 caps already for the senior national side. Could he be the next incumbent of the fabled number 7? Having already improved his squad number at the start of this season, down 20 from 39 to 19, could he improve on this again? A natural striker with the turn of pace of a Bugatti Veyron and dribbling skills comparable to that of a toddler, he only needs to improve on a few aspects of his game, such as finishing and hold up play, to become a world class talent. Deployed out on the wing more often than not by Mourinho this season, could he find his home as a deadly wing man, taking people on, cutting in from the left and nestling the ball in the far corner like a former number 7? Only time will tell, but to quote Yazz, the only way is up for this phenomenal talent.




Picture credit - 

https://twitter.com/footballfunnys/status/505218343042027520

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3680480/Antoine-Griezmann-s-goal-celebration-tribute-rapper-Drake-dance-moves-Hotline-Bling-video.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3464518/Manchester-United-teen-Marcus-Rashford-makes-debut-Anthony-Martial-injury.html