Top five greatest players to wear Manchester United's Number 7 shirt

Currently, no player is wearing the number on his back

Manchester United are an iconic club and are arguably the biggest club in England. The Red Devils have won a plethora of trophies, and their most successful era came under Sir Alex Ferguson. Under SAF's management, the club dominated the Premier League and won it numerous times.

In the late 2000s, Sir Alex Ferguson saw the talent of a young Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, and signed him. He donned the iconic number 7 shirt despite the pressure behind it; nonetheless, what happened next was history.

Despite Manchester United's fall from grace, they have had great players donning the number 7 shirt. Some big names like Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez, and Michael Owen wore it but did not succeed; however, a few did. Let's take a look at the top five best players to don Manchester United's No. 7 shirt.

5. Bryan Robson

Bryan Robson once voted the best Manchester United player in 2011 and is certainly a legend at the club. Robson joined the club in 1981 for £1.5 million, which back then was a record transfer fee. He donned the number 7 shirt in his first match for the Red Devils against Manchester City. Bryan Robson's most iconic moment was in the semi-final of the 1983 FA Cup against Arsenal.

After recovering from an injury, he scored in a 2-1 win against Arsenal. The Englishman then went on to score a brace against Brighton in the final of the FA Cup to make the score level. At that time, Robson was only the second English captain to lift the trophy for Manchester United.

After spending 13 years at the club, he amassed over 500 appearances and 100 goals. One of the best players and certainly an iconic number 7.

4. George Best

The left-winger was one of the iconic players of the 1960s and 1970s eras. George Best scored 137 goals and assisted three times in 353 appearances for the Red Devils. He helped United win their first-ever European Cup. They became the first English club to win the European Cup.

His biggest achievement was not only winning the European Cup and donning the number 7 shirt but also winning the Ballon d'Or. At the young age of 22 years old, the Northern Ireland player won the 1968 Ballon d'Or for his achievements.

3. Eric Cantona

Cantona won the League Championship seven times in his last eight years as a professional. The Frenchman first arrived in England playing for Leeds United, bitter rivals of Manchester United. Despite receiving hostility from Leeds United fans, Cantona put all of his dedication into his new club.

The Res Devils fans named Cantona "King Cantona" because of his ability to decide games. When he left the club, the forward had amassed 81 goals and 62 assists in 181 appearances, which is absolutely phenomenal.

2. David Beckham

David Beckham was an exemplary midfielder who made passing look extremely simple. He could easily pass through the lines from one side to the other. Moreover, the Englishman was also good at taking free kicks. All in all, his passing range and vision made him an excellent midfielder. As a midfielder, he bagged 85 goals and an astounding 105 assists in 388 appearances.

At first, the Englishman wore the number 10 shirt but then chose to don the number 7 shirt previously donned by Cantona and Best. Despite having tension with Sir Alex Ferguson, he was a crucial player for his side.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

When people talk about the number 7 shirt in football, only one name comes to mind. The iconic Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy as the best number 7 for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and in the history of football. What was once just a young prospect has bloomed into a legend. Sir Alex Ferguson quickly signed the young Portuguese from Sporting Portugal and treated him as his own son.

Cristiano Ronaldo donned the number 7 shirt and struggled a bit at first. Ronaldo's most iconic season was the 2007–08 season, in which he scored 42 goals for the club in 40 appearances throughout all competitions. He also won the Ballon d'Or and helped his side to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

Overall, he amassed 103 goals and 39 assists. The forward came and took on the pressure of the No. 7 shirt and became the best player to ever wear it. Since then, Manchester United have not found a successful replacement.