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Manchester United has had great players come and go. Sir Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes, and Roy Keane just to name a few. However, none of those players wore the No. 7 shirt...

Manchester United's Love Affair with the Number 7

by Thomas (Senior Writer)

30

5068 reads

History

September 19, 2008


Manchester United has had great players come and go. Sir Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes, and Roy Keane just to name a few. However, none of those players wore the No. 7 shirt. Ever since the 1960s, starting with George Best, some of the best United players have had the honor of wearing the No. 7.

 

George Best, 1963-1974

Maradonna good, Pele better, George Best. Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting players in United history, Best made his Red Devil's debut in 1963, at the age of 17. Dubbed, "the fifth Beattle" for his long hair, Best was a hit both on and off the pitch.

He won one league title and one European Cup with Manchester United before leaving in 1974, at the age of 27. In all, Best recorded 466 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions from 1963 to 1974, and scored 178 goals.

He was also an international for Northern Ireland where he scored 9 goals in 37 appearences. After he left United he went on to play for Fulham, the LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, and AFC Bournemouth. He retired with AFC at the age of 37.

 

Bryan Robson, 1981-1994

Unlike Best, Bryan Robson did not begin his career with Manchester United. Rather, he began his career with West Bromwich Albion (WBA). In 1981, Robson went to Old Trafford with then a British transfer fee record of 1.5 million pounds. When asked why he moved to United, he said: "Money wasn't my main motivation. I simply wanted to be a winner."

And a winner he was. He was soon made captain of United and won his first trophy in 1984, when he scored two goals against Brighton to help United win the FA Cup. In the 1990-1991 season, he became the first United captain to win the FA Cup three times. He also won the FA Premiership twice.

His stay at United was not to last though. Despite being the longest serving captain for United, he moved to Middlesbrough in 1994, where he stayed till his retirement in 1996. During his playing career, Robson was an international for Britain. During his 90 caps, he scored 26 goals.

After his playing career, Robson became a manager. He has been in charge of Middlesbrough (1994-2003), Bradford City (2003-2004), WBA (2004-2006), and Sheffield United (2007-2008).

 

Eric Cantona, 1992-1997

 

Known as King Eric and famous for putting up his jersey collar, he is probably the most controversial player to wear the No. 7 jersey.

Cantona joined Manchester United from Leeds in 1992, after they had finished 17th of 22 in the newly formed Premier League. Up to that point of the season, United was having a hard time scoring. When that changed as Cantona not only scored goals but allowed space for others to score as well.

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30 comments Last one added about 1 month ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Dev Ashish 9 months ago

    I was midway on my article on the same topic .. but guess u did a lot better job !!! ;)
    No.7 has always been special at Old Trafford and its coz of these fantastic players that the jersey no.7 has been so special world over !! presently Ronaldo has proven himself worthy of the prestigious jersey and in future too, i am convinced the legacy will continue !!

    5 stars and a pick !!

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  2. Andrew McNair 9 months ago

    George Best played in Scotland for Hibs too and is by far the best I say...good job Thomas I enjoyed that.

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  3. Zahi Sahli 9 months ago

    Good job :)

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  4. David James 9 months ago

    I have heard many a taxi driver's story about George Best (those who played professionally).

    Every team has their synonomous number, good article.

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  5. Anon Payn 9 months ago

    one common thing between every one who has worn the number 7 (barring King Cantona) is that none have stayed at United till the end of their careers! Coincidence?

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  6. Yoosof Farah 9 months ago

    The No.7 shirt is a very special shirt, it's hard to think who will get that shirt after Ronaldo. Although hopefully Ronaldo will be keeping that shirt for many years to come! Good article Thomas.

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  7. Barney 9 months ago

    You'd think that with all these legends worn it (with the exception of Ronaldo, he isn't a legend yet), that they would retire the shirt soon. I thought they would when George Best died, but they didn't.

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    • Thomas 9 months ago

      iisn't there some rule that u can't retire a number in soccer?

      but yea, it'd be great to retire that number.

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  8. Jermaine Koko 9 months ago

    Im sure that number holds a special place in United fans hearts and im ont surpried either

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  9. Parvez Jaumally 9 months ago

    may be the youtube kid who joined manu

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  10. J.C. Ayvazi 9 months ago

    Top notch work here Thomas - should be a mandatory primer for school kids.

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  11. Saraswathi Siriginia 9 months ago

    Awesome read TL, there is something to say about 7, seven deadly sins, seventh heaven, seven seas, the film Seven...gosh, it seems like people never end up with their fascination for the number seven. Just kidding, dude :-)

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  12. raam shanker 9 months ago

    quality article mate!

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  13. Alejandro Muller 9 months ago

    interesting article. Now the question is, who is the best of all those great number 7's

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  14. gbenga shina 6 months ago

    GOD has blessed united with that jersey because those that has been wearing it up to this present day has been very fantastic,well known in the world.so GOD then desided to honour the number 7 via christiana ronaldo

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  15. jim 3 months ago

    wheres norman??

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  1. Philip Dodwell about 1 month ago

    who will be next and how many more great number 7s ? I reckon 1 or 2 more great 7s (depends on whether whiteside is considered great) to make it 7 great 7s. If ronaldo leaves, ribery to be our moody, french no.7 wearer? now who does that remind me of?

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