Manchester United could go back on their promise to Jadon Sancho for the THIRD time as they attempt to find a successor for the club’s historic number seven shirt.
A vast array of the club’s most iconic players including George Best, David Beckham and Eric Cantona have donned the shirt during their careers. The latest occupant was Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo - the second time he has worn the number during his two spells at Old Trafford.
He left under a cloud back in December with the remainder of his contract being cancelled. Ronaldo then moved to Saudi outfit Al-Nassr, where he was invariably given the number seven shirt once more.
It has remained unoccupied ever since with United now having a decision to make ahead of next season. There are a few candidates to claim the shirt from the Red Devils’ current attacking options, although an early frontrunner appears to be emerging.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club are ‘considering’ making Alejandro Garnacho the club’s new number seven for next season. He enjoyed a standout breakout campaign at Old Trafford last term.
The Argentine, just 18, made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, scoring six goals and providing as many assists. He was rewarded with a new five-year contract back in April.
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Whilst he could be an excellent candidate for the shirt, Erik ten Hag risks upsetting the apple cart slightly at Old Trafford. Garnacho’s attacking colleague Sancho was previously promised the shirt number by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he first got linked with a move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2020.
The Red Devils failed to agree a fee with the German side, meaning he was forced to stay with Dortmund. Whilst United eventually managed to seal his signature 12 months later in a £73m deal, he still did not manage to get the number.
He was forced to take 25, with Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani unwilling to swap. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker eventually relented but only for Ronaldo after he had sealed his emotional return to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese striker enjoyed a bright start back at United as he scored 24 goals in his debut campaign. He only got on the scoresheet three times last season before he left in acrimonious circumstances.
Meanwhile, Garnacho saw his season disrupted with injury but returned during the closing weeks and will be hopeful of being fit and firing ahead of next season. The Red Devils kick-off their 2023/24 campaign against Wolves at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag also wants to add to his attacking options despite his apparent faith in Garnacho to become a first-team regular.
