With Angel di Maria now looking as if his departure is a question of when, not if, Manchester United will once more have a vacant number 7 shirt.
Not since Ronaldo left the club in 2009 have Manchester United successfully filled the hallowed jersey, with Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Di Maria the incumbents since the legend left the club.
We have suggested that Memphis Depay could don the shirt and he may still do so. But, having worn number 9 on pre-season, perhaps he will stick with that one now.
We look at the contenders.
Marco Reus
Hasn’t yet been linked with Manchester United this summer but we think that he’s one of the best players in the world who isn’t currently at an absolutely elite club in Europe. Dortmund are huge of course but going through something of a rough time.
Reus only signed a new contract in the winter but we feel he may well move to another club this summer and Manchester United would most certainly benefit from having him in their starting XI.
Pedro
The Spaniard has been strongly linked with the move to Manchester United and while he wouldn’t necessarily represent the marquee signing that many United fans want, he would be a safe pair of hands and a quality addition to the team.
CR7
It’s a longshot but it might just work. And who better to fill the number seven jersey than the man himself? There have been rumblings of discontent with the player over the last couple of years and perhaps Manchester United will make a cheeky bid before September.
Gareth Bale
Whilst clearly not as good a player as the Portuguese, Bale may represent an even better investment. Because, at 25 years of age, he could form the backbone of Manchester United’s next great side.
Memphis Depay
His first two appearances for Manchester United have been played through the middle of the side rather than on the wings. But that doesn’t preclude him from being a contender for the number seven shirt of course. He certainly has the skill to be seen as Manchester United’s next number 7.
United fans: who is your choice?
Bright
Jul 23, 2015 at 10:19 am
Comment: pls lvg live angel di’maria let him try his best again. You know dis guy is from spain it won’t be easy for him in the first season at england, he is a world class foothballer.
kay
Jul 23, 2015 at 10:22 am
RvP wore 20 not 9. Who writes the shit for u peeps?
brianrington
Jul 23, 2015 at 8:32 pm
plz zlatan can replace van persie well