Manchester United striker Michael Owen revealed last week via
Twitter that
the club would not be offering him a new contract. This brings an end
to Owen’s three years at Old Trafford which have been marred with
injuries. His imminent departure signals the availability of the famous
Number 7 shirt for next season. ”What’s the fuss over a jersey? It’s
just a number” you may say, but the importance of this jersey to the Old
Trafford faithful cannot be overlooked.
It goes without saying that it is arguably the most famous jersey in
Manchester United’s history. The mumbles and the grumbles from fans when
Owen was handed the jersey at the start of the 09/10 season said it
all, with many claiming he would do the jersey a disservice.
Three seasons down the line, the jersey lies in waiting for its next
successor. Now the million dollar question: Who is the right man to be
United’s next No.7? Who is the right man to follow in the path of George
Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Likely Candidates
1. Luis Nani

Like Ronaldo, Nani was purchased from Sporting Lisbon, albeit in the
summer of 2007. He was predicted as the natural successor to Ronaldo and
was expected to be United’s main man after his
Portuguese comrade’s departure. But three seasons after Ronaldo’s sale
to Madrid, Nani is yet to cement his place as the ‘go-to’ man for
United. It is often said that “Nani blows hot and cold.” His
inconsistency is a worry for United fans and doubts linger over whether
he will ever be able to fulfill his potential. There are some who
believe the Number 7 jersey is what Nani needs to finally come good,
since it will be a sign of Fergie’s undoubted faith in him.
2. Antonio Valencia

Purchased the season after Ronaldo’s departure, Valencia has hardly
put a foot wrong ever since. His consistency and near perfect crosses
made him a crowd favourite in a short space of time. The manner in which
he came back into the squad and played like he had never been away,
after being sidelined with a broken foot is testament to the
determination of this lad. Fresh from a season where he won the club’s
Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards, it’s hard to argue
with the fact that he doesn’t deserve the Number 7 jersey. But then
again Valencia doesn’t possess that superstar tag like the likes of
Beckham and Cantona, and goes about his business in a quiet fashion.
3. Ashley Young
Young had his ups and downs in his first season as a United player
and would be the first to admit he didn’t perform to the maximum of his
ability. Yet still we saw glimpses of him at his very best as Brad
Friedel and Wojciech Szczesny would attest to. Some have ironically
likened his diving antics to that of Ronaldo and have concluded he’s the
best candidate for the number. He currently wears the Number 18 jersey
which previously belonged to Scholes. But with the Ginger Maestro
staying for one more season, who knows what lies in store for Young.
4. New signing

This is the most popular choice among red fans, who would like to see
a marquee signing given the number 7. Shinji Kagawa and Eden Hazard top
this list, with the latter the most widely preferred, since he has the
“superstar attribute” as well as some arrogance to go along with it.
Whether or not we would sign one or both of them is unclear, but if at
least one of them is purchased it is widely believed he will be assigned
the jersey number.