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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Three Manchester United players who could take Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt number if he leaves

The No 7 shirt might be available at Manchester United sooner than people expected following Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan this week.

Ronaldo, who was already tipped to leave Old Trafford in January or the summer, sparked controversy after slamming the club in an unauthorised interview. The 37-year-old claimed that the club had betrayed him, criticised manager Erik ten Hag and the club's owners and took aim at a number of his former teammates.

It is the most controversial moment of Ronaldo's season so far, but comes after he was dropped from the squad for one match and made to train alone after refusing to come on as a substitute in the win over Tottenham in October. He stormed down the tunnel and left the stadium before his teammates had returned to the dressing room.

ALSO READ: Ronaldo criticises the Glazers

The veteran striker, who is currently away with Portugal ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, made it clear he wanted to leave United in the summer due to a lack of Champions League football. However, a move away failed to materialise and he remained a Reds player. While his contract doesn't expire until the end of the season, his latest incident could now lead to a premature exit.

Should he depart Old Trafford for a second time, the No 7 will become vacant again - and there will be some keen parties all looking to take on the prestigious shirt. MEN Sport has taken a look at who could become the club's newest number seven - most likely from next summer onwards.

Antony

While the Brazilian winger has never worn the number in his career - instead donning No 11 at Ajax - he might be keen on taking on the responsibility of the shirt. Antony certainly possesses the flair required and has enjoyed a positive start to life at Old Trafford following his summer switch from Amsterdam.

The 22-year-old, who scored three goals in his first three Premier League matches, has been in better form than several of his attacking teammates, with Marcus Rashford - who wears the No 10 - arguably the only wide man in better form than Antony.

Jadon Sancho

At the start of the season, Jadon Sancho would have been the most likely option to take on the No 7 jersey, given that he wore the same number at Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old has endured a difficult season so far, registering just three goals in 14 appearances for Ten Hag's side. He has only started 12 matches this term and has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. Despite this, the attacker might still put his hand up for the shirt should it be vacated.

Alejandro Garnacho

If the Reds were to give the No 7 shirt to youngster Alejandro Garncho, it would be a massive show of faith in the forward. The 18-year-old has registered two goals and two assists in eight matches this season, including a vital winner against Fulham last weekend.

Garnacho has performed well for the U21s and has impressed when given an opportunity in the first team.

New signing

Another option would be to give the No 7 shirt to a new arrival, with the Reds expected to recruit a forward player at some point next year. United have been linked with a number of attacking stars and many of them would relish the opportunity to wear the famed jersey.

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