Top five players who could not succeed with Manchester United’s No.7 kit

There is a new owner of the number seven jersey that carries a lot of weight.

Manchester United have handed their legendary No.7 jersey to Mason Mount after successfully signing him from Chelsea in the transfer window. The English international joins the club after a £55m upfront and £5m add-ons in transfer fee. He becomes a part of history at his new club already after taking on the iconic No.7 jersey, one that has huge relevance.

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The 20-time English champions have seen players like Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo wear the jersey and achieve incredible success. Their exceptional performances made wearing No.7 a style statement and a very popular choice amongst the fans. Mason Mount will certainly feel the pressure of delivering an impressive performance for MUFC after becoming a successor to the No.7 jersey following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure last season.

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As he prepares to begin his career’s next phase, here is a look at the top five players who crumbled under the pressure and failed to succeed with Manchester United’s No.7 kit:

Michael Owen

Michael Owen signing for Manchester United in 2009 was surprising since he is a Liverpool club legend and both clubs do not see eye to eye. The striker inherited the iconic No.7 jersey previously worn by MUFC legends such as George Best, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona - a fact that did not sit well with LFC supporters.

While Michael Owen’s career at MUFC was short and marred by injuries, he is remembered for the memorable late derby goal against Manchester City FC. The former English international scored 17 goals in 52 games and also won the Premier League title with the Red Devils.

Also Read: Top five greatest players to wear Manchester United’s Number 7 shirt

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia’s case is interesting because how he simply could not shoulder the weight behind the No.7 jersey at Manchester United. Although the full-back is considered a club legend at the club, his performance while wearing the legendary number was far from impressive and he quickly swapped it for No.25.

Before taking the No.7 jersey, Antonio Valencia had become only the third MUFC player behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to win the club’s Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and Goal of the Year awards in 2011-12. During his stint as No.7 holder, Valencia scored one goal in 40 matches.

Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria’s signing at Manchester United was full of promise and expectations. He had impressed the world at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and came to the Premier League after a British-record fee of £59.7m. The Argentine’s career at MUFC began well but soon went downhill due to differences with manager Louis van Gaal. 

The weight of the expectations was immense on Di Maria who inherited the No.7 jersey as well. While donning the iconic number on his back, the winger played 32 games for the club and only scored four goals before leaving after one season. 

Memphis Depay

Memphis of the Netherlands inherited the No.7 jersey immediately after joining Manchester United in 2015. He was a huge prospect and regarded as one of the stars of his generation. Therefore, fans had high expectations from the attacker, especially because of the number he wore while representing the club.

Unfortunately, Memphis could not succeed with the No.7 on his back at Manchester United. He played 53 games and scored only seven times. Since leaving MUFC, he has stayed away from No.7 in club and international football.

Alexis Sanchez

Nobody saw Alexis Sanchez’s downfall coming and it remains one of the unsolved mysteries in Manchester United’s folklore. Before signing for the Red Devils, the Chile international was shining for Arsenal, scoring 80 goals in 166 games. However, his career at MUFC went downhill from day one and there was no turnaround until he left the club.

During his brief and frustrating stay at Manchester United as No.7 of the club, Alexis Sanchez scored five goals in 45 appearances. It is safe to say that wearing the iconic number and the high expectations of succeeding at a club like MUFC took a toll on Sanchez.