David Beckham Says Manchester United's No. 7 Shirt Should Be an Inspiration

Manchester United legend David Beckham has had his say on the pressure that comes with his former No. 7 shirt, which is currently occupied by the struggling Memphis Depay.

"When you get given the No. 7 shirt it doesn’t matter who has worn it in the past or what that player has achieved in the past," Beckham told Manchester Evening News. "At the end of the day it is a special shirt to wear but I don’t think personally that it comes with any pressure."

A number of United's greatest-ever players have worn No. 7 in the past, including George Best, Eric Cantona and, more recently, Cristiano Ronaldo. But since the latter left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009, successors have struggled to live up to expectations.  

"It always was an inspiration for me. It was never my shirt," said Beckham. "It was George Best’s, Bryan Robson’s, Eric Cantona’s. The only reason I wanted to wear the No 7 shirt was because of these players. The No. 7 shirt is a special shirt for Man Utd. It always has been and it always will be."

Dutchman Memphis joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in July but has so far failed to live up to his £25 million price tag, scoring just four times in 16 appearances.

[h/t Manchester Evening News]