A social media storm has been ignited by Alejandro Garnacho, the talented winger from Manchester United, after he posted an Instagram story showcasing the number seven. Garnacho, who emerged as the star player in United’s victorious FA Youth Cup campaign in 2021/22, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season with the first team, making 35 appearances across various competitions. As the season progressed, he became an increasingly vital attacking asset for the team.
Fans have started speculating that Garnacho might be in line for a new shirt number, considering that his current jersey, number 49, is not available for purchase in the club store following the recent kit launch. Rumors have circulated that United is contemplating offering Garnacho the number seven shirt, left vacant since Cristiano Ronaldo’s contentious departure in November.
Another contender for the coveted number was Jadon Sancho, who had previously worn it during his time at Borussia Dortmund. However, due to the delay in Sancho’s transfer from 2020 to 2021 and the number already being claimed by Edinson Cavani upon his arrival, the English winger missed his chance. Given Sancho’s inconsistent form, it seems that now may not be the opportune moment for him to shoulder the weight that comes with inheriting the prestigious number seven shirt.
Garnacho exudes confidence, a quality deemed essential for any player donning the number seven at United. While his recent social media activity does not directly address the shirt, it has fueled speculation among fans. After reaching seven million followers on Instagram, Garnacho shared an edited image of himself wearing a shirt (not a United one) with the number seven on the back. Additionally, his Instagram handle, ‘garnacho7,’ further emphasizes his affinity for the number.
If Garnacho doesn’t end up sporting the number seven for United in the upcoming season, other vacant options that would suit a prominent first-team player include numbers 15 and 24.
The number seven shirt holds immense prestige at Manchester United due to the legendary players who have worn it throughout the club’s history. George Best initially brought fame to the shirt, followed by iconic figures like Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who solidified its significance over nearly five decades.
Curiously, no player who has worn the number seven since Ronaldo’s initial departure in 2009 has truly thrived in the shirt or lasted more than a couple of years. Even Ronaldo himself struggled to recapture his magic upon returning in 2021, managing 24 goals in his first season back but leaving under a cloud before completing his second.
The underwhelming performances of those who wore the number seven only intensify the pressure on the next individual to step into those legendary shoes.