Manchester United's Love Affair with the Number 7

Thomas

Senior Writer Written on September 19, 2008

(Page 3 of 3)

Beckham has also had a fine career with the English national team. He made his debut for England during the 1996 World Cup. He became an automatic inclusion when he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1997. He became captain in 2000 and kept it until 2006. Throughout his international career, he has scored 17 goals in 105 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 2003-

We've taken a look at Best, Robson, Cantona, and Beckham. Now the latest member of Manchester United to wear the No. 7 jersey is Cristiano Ronaldo. Signed from Sporting Lisbon at the early age of 16, Liverpool originally had interest in them. As a United fan, I am so glad. When he first came to Old Trafford, he didn't want the No. 7 jersey. He said:

"After I joined, the manager asked me what number I'd like. I said 28. But Ferguson said 'No, you're going to have No. 7,' and the famous shirt was an extra source of motivation. I was forced to live up to such an honour."

Looks like the jersey has motivated him immensely. In the first season with Manchester United, he scored six goals in 40 appearances. However, he quickly improved and last season scored an astonishing 42 goals in 48 appearances. Take that Liverpool!

With United, Ronaldo has won every piece of silverware possible—the FA Cup in 2004, the League Cup in 2006, the Community Shield in 2007, the Premiership in 2007 and 2008, and the Champions League in 2008. He has been awarded numerous individual awards, including the PFA Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2008.

Ronaldo made his international debut with Portugal in 2003. Since then, he has made 58 appearances and scored 21 goals. On his twentieth birthday in 2007, Ronaldo was made captain of Portugal. To many he was too young, but it was a move requested by the President of the Portugal Football Federation, Carlos Silva, who died two days before Ronaldo's birthday.

According to Scolari, the coach of Portugal then: "Mr. Silva asked me to make [Ronaldo] captain as a gesture...[he] is too young to be captain, but Mr. Silva asked me, and now he is no longer with us."

The Future

Cristiano Ronaldo is the latest player to wear No,. 7. Who will be next to wear that number? Looks like Ronaldo will be United for a few more years, but he could always leave. Who do you think is next? Who will get the honor of wearing the coveted No. 7 jersey of Manchester United?

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