Ranking all the players to wear iconic no.7 shirt at Manchester United in the Premier League era

These players have led the Red Devils to glory

Manchester United are one club that has seen some of the greatest players wear the number 7 at the back of their kit.

It's a jersey that always comes up under immense pressure. Mason Mount, the latest addition to United's squad, will take on the iconic number seven jersey. The number holds legendary status not only for United fans but in the world of football too.

From Eric Cantona to David Beckham, we will rank each player who has worn the iconic number '7' for Manchester United:

Mason Mount (honourable mention)

We arrive at the dawn of a new era, the iconic number seven shirt at Manchester United has a new bearer - Mason Mount. Mount's move to United has been met with immense anticipation, and being given the number seven has only added to that, with that number on his back, he is now a part of the legacy.

If the £60m fee wasn't enough, taking on the number seven for the biggest club in England will only add to the pressure he'll be under after his move from Chelsea and only time will tell where Mount ends up in this storied list of United's iconic number sevens. However, one thing is for sure, the stage is set for Mason to engrave his name in the history of the club.

10. Angel Di Maria

Di Maria was signed in the aftermath of a brilliant 2014 World Cup performance. He arrived at Manchester United amid high expectations and was given the number seven shirt as a result. The Argentinian maestro only managed to score four goals in 32 league appearances during his time in England.

His stint at United was not as remarkable as anticipated; despite showing his goal-scoring instinct with a stunning chip against Leicester City, Di Maria’s form quickly dropped, and he left United for Paris Saint-Germain after just one season.

9. Memphis Depay

An intriguing 'what if' story in Manchester United's history belongs to the Dutchman. He joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2015; he was one of Europe's hottest prospects during that time, and he was granted the number seven immediately.

However, the young winger struggled to adapt to the Premier League's physicality and pace, scoring just seven goals in 53 appearances over two seasons. Seven goals for a United number seven don't just look acceptable. After two seasons at the club, he was sent to Ligue 1 club Lyon, making him the most unsuccessful number seven of all time.

8. Alexis Sanchez

Having fought off Manchester City for the Chilean's signature, fans were excited about the prospect of Sanchez playing for the Red Devils, with many feeling that he'd take the club to the next level and be another immensely talented player to wear the number seven.

The curse of number seven continued at United; he just scored five goals in 45 appearances, and his time at Old Trafford was less productive. Despite his talent, he did not fit into United's system and was sold to Inter Milan after just one and a half seasons at the English club.

7. Michael Owen

Michael Owen was a surprise signing from Newcastle United. In the three seasons, he played 52 games and netted 17 goals.

He contributed some crucial goals; when United and City were equal at 3-3 with only a few seconds to go in the Manchester Derby, he scored the last-minute winner. But injuries limited his appearances; however, his contributions cannot go unnoticed, and he helped United win the Premier League.

6. Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia was signed from Wigan Athletic. The Ecuadorian was signed as a winger but soon turned into a full-back, and he then wore the number for only one season. He made significant contributions to the club during his decade-long stint.

His tireless running, combined with a ferocious shot and incredible cross, made him a valued member of the squad. Valencia was a key part of the team that won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup, and he even went on to captain the squad that won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's second spell at the club came true after United hijacked him from Manchester City, and Sir Alex Ferguson played a key role in bringing him back to the club. Cavani graciously gave up his number seven shirt to Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to the club from Juventus.

After his interview with Piers Morgan, his second spell came to an end, but that doesn't take away from the incredible things that Ronaldo has done while wearing the number seven for Manchester United, making him the greatest player to ever wear the shirt.

4. Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani joined Manchester United in the summer of 2020, a time when the world suffered a lot, but he immediately took on the number seven shirt. The Uruguayan forward arrived with an impressive goal-scoring record from his stint at Paris Saint-Germain.

Due to his tireless work rate, expert movement, and clinical finishing, he became an instant fan favourite at the club. He scored some crucial goals for the club. In his two seasons at United, Cavani appeared in 51 matches and scored an impressive 21 goals.

3. David Beckham

David Beckham's football success started with Manchester United; he was an integral part of the "Class of 92". He made this number his own with pinpoint crosses and trademark free kicks; to date, we hear "Bend it like Beckham." This shows the impact he has in the world of football.

Beckham's global fame and on-field success made him one of United's most recognised number sevens; he won six Premier League titles and a Champions League; he contributed 85 goals in 394 appearances; and it was not just about the goals but his superstar status that made him more special.

2. Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona is without a doubt one of the best players to ever play for the Red Devils; irrespective of the number, he has been an icon for all United fans, and his impact on the club was profound. His charisma, attitude, and leadership have made this year more special for the club.

Manchester United's utter dominance started in the Premier League after Cantona was signed in 1992; he scored 82 goals in 185 appearances for the club. He helped them win four Premier League titles and two FA Cups, which made him a club legend.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Manchester United in 2003 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would eventually establish him as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His arrival at Old Trafford was possible after his Sporting performance against Manchester United.

The 2006-07 season proved to be a turning point for Ronaldo, as he showcased his immense talent on the pitch. With his blistering pace, mesmerising dribbling skills, and a deadly eye for goal, he became an integral part of United's attack. He won the Champions League in the 2007–08 season.