The famed No.7 jersey may be available again at Manchester United before too long.
Its current and one of its most iconic wearers, Cristiano Ronaldo, has all but confirmed his second stint at United isn't long for this world after his actions on Wednesday. The one-time best player in the world refused to be substituted on when asked by manager Erik ten Hag and then stomped down the tunnel before full-time, threatening to cast a shadow over the best performance of the Dutchman's reign so far.
Ten Hag's deft handling of the situation meant the brewing storm was blown off course and it became a footnote of an otherwise galvanising night. Only the following day did it become clear what Ronaldo had done, with his punishment of training on his own and not being involved in yesterday's trip to Chelsea being handed out.
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Ronaldo already made it clear he wanted to leave Old Trafford in the summer due to a lack of Champions League football, slow progress in the transfer market and an enforced 25 per cent pay cut to the players after failing to make the top four. Perhaps another reason, however, is because he knew he wouldn't be a major factor in Ten Hag's plans owed to his fading physicality.
Unfortunately for Ronaldo, the queue of clubs waiting to whisk him away back to the highest stage didn't quite formulate as he might have imagined. Despite all the hard work of his agent, no one wanted him.
Yet, with his latest transgression, which follows a similar incident when he left a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano early, it's hard to see him not getting his wish next summer at the latest. Ronaldo's contract expires in 2023 and though there is an option to extend it by a further 12 months it's becoming increasingly unlikely that it will be triggered.
Should he depart for a second time, then the No.7 will become free again and there will be some keen parties coveting it immediately.
The most likely is bound to be Jadon Sancho. The forward wore the number with distinction at Borussia Dortmund and no doubt was keen to wear it at Old Trafford upon his arrival. However, Edinson Cavani had it at the time and Sancho clearly didn't quite have the negotiation tactics that Ronaldo had to get it off him.
However, fellow winger Antony may well be keen on wearing it as well. The Brazilian has made a big impact since his big-money transfer from Ajax and is certainly in better form than Sancho at present. Although he may have his eyes on the No.11 he wore in Amsterdam.
It would be one massive show of confidence and almost certainly won't happen, but Alejandro Garncho certainly wouldn't say no to the number. The young Argentine rose to prominence last season as his goals and performances secured United their first FA Youth Cup in over a decade. At just 18 he has been dipping his toe in first-team action but if he continues to develop it may not be long before he's a regular.
Finally, perhaps the next United No.7 doesn't play for the club at the moment? Maybe it will be saved for a new summer signing, with Ten Hag undoubtedly looking to replace Ronaldo with another striker and might even reignite his interest in Frenkie de Jong.
Not since Ronaldo's first stint at United has a player lived up to the stature of the No.7 so there will be big pressure on its next holder to do so.
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