7 great Manchester United number sevens
Alexis Sanchez becomes the latest player to wear United’s most famous shirt.
George Best
Chile international Alexis Sanchez has completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United and will take the number seven shirt.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the other players who have worn the jersey with success in the past.
Johnny Berry (1951-58)
Johnny Berry in training with United
Berry was one of the Busby Babes who was forced to retire due to injuries he sustained in the Munich air disaster. However, he did manage to win three league titles during his eight years at the club and was regarded as one of the best young players in Britain.
George Best (1963-74)
George Best was the first of Manchester United's high-profile number sevens. (EMPICS)
Not exclusively a number seven. Indeed, Best probably wore number 11 more often. However, on the greatest night of his footballing life, when United defeated Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final at Wembley, he was wearing the seven shirt. He also won two Division One titles with United.
Steve Coppell (1975-83)
Steve Coppell in action for United
He may not quite have the profile of some of the others to wear the shirt but Coppell kept the number seven for six years on his arrival at United. He wore it in three FA Cup finals, including the 1977 victory over Liverpool.
Bryan Robson (1981-94)
Bryan Robson pictured during his playing days for Manchester United
Coppell switched when Robson made his British record move from West Brom in 1981. The inspirational midfielder became the first player to captain three FA Cup-winning teams, also led United to the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the League Cup before getting his hands on the first Premier League title in 1993.
Eric Cantona (1992-97)
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When the Premier League made squad numbers mandatory at the start of the 1993-94 campaign, Cantona was handed the shirt. The Frenchman had already earned himself a place in United folklore and went on to win four titles and two FA Cups, scoring the winner against Liverpool in the 1996 final, when he had also been named captain.
David Beckham (1992-2003)
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After Cantona’s sudden retirement, Beckham jumped at the chance to switch from 10 to seven. It meant he was the player who wore the shirt during the 1998-99 treble-winning campaign, and the subsequent titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-09)
Cristiano Ronaldo has made the number seven shirt his own after first taking it at Manchester United. (Martin Rickett/PA)
Beckham’s profile meant there was always going to be a spotlight on who inherited the shirt and Ronaldo proved to be the perfect successor in more ways than one. During a six-year stint in which he won three league titles he was also crowned World Player of the Year in 2008 for his phenomenal 42-goal contribution to a campaign in which United also won the Champions League.
