Number 7
The number 7 has always held a great reputation at Manchester United.
It's one of the most iconic jersey numbers, and has been worn by some of the greatest footballers ever.
I thought I'd compile a list of some of these players, and take some time to discuss their performances and contributions for the club over their time here.
So here are 7 players who've worn the number 7...
Ahh, the ever-so-famous David-freaking-Beckham.
We all know he's not just a pretty face.
As a footballer, Beckham was a good winger for United,
and made excellent crosses. -------------> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8SBw3oEENo
And for me, it's always a plus point if you came from the Man Utd Academy.
-people always seem to forget about the Academy. I think it's fair to say that some of the best players came from there. (Beckham being exhibit A.)
And that's the case even NOW.
Does the name Rashford ring a bell? Yeah, from the Academy as well.
Moving on...
Beckham was part of a little group that all came from the Manchester United Youth Academy around the same time.
"Fergie's Fledglings" was what they were called.
This group consisted of Beckham himself, the Neville brothers, and Nicky Butt, who now, happens to be the new head coach of the Academy.
He was a good player over the ball, and passed it very well.
He was very hardworking and had everything going for him at United.
Then something, or someone rather, changed his life.
As mentioned in the quote, football became only a small part.
The fame started to get to his head, and the boss wasn't happy that his head was getting bigger,-and of course, like what happened to Roy Keane and Jaap Stam, Sir Alex benched him.
Soon after, he was 'forced' to move to Real, seeing as though Man Utd was doing fine and dandy even without him.
Real was interested in buying him, and he was just another addition to their galácticos list.
Eventually, he slowly progressed to become one of the best players in the world, joined Real and was yet, another Man Utd player to be added to the list of galácticos.
But unlike Beckham, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid solely on as a 'business transaction'.
I mean, Sir Alex bought him for £12 million and had an opportunity to sell him for £80 million... Obviously, the clever decision was to take it.
It was a win-win for both sides, and he left on good terms.
*Throwback moment*
When he scored for Real against Manchester United but didn't celebrate. :')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Qvp8mVm8s
Of course, before his departure from Manchester United, he didn't forget to thank the man who had utmost faith in him and brought him up to where he is today;
"He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career."
It's King Eric!
Very controversial player...
Throwback to the infamous Kung-fu incident.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo2aUfwPQvs
Definitely a nutcase... But putting that all aside, what a phenomenal attacking midfielder.
Similar to how I described Owen.
Very sharp and clever instincts, known for his eye for goal. He knew where and when to be at the right place and the right time.
It's crazy how calm and composed Cantona was when he was on the pitch.
His movement and goals were all so effortless.
He scored plenty of goals and also created lots of them.
Another thing is that Cantona never started of with the number 7 jersey.
He was initially given number 10 and 12, and then eventually 7, after a season at United.
Do you know what that means?
He earned that jersey.
"If there was ever a player in this world who was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Watch this clip and you will understand my frustration over the 2 players ranked at 6 and 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj_0swSltDg
It's just not the same...
Ronaldo, Robson, Beckham, and even Owen, have all done justice to the jersey.
Di Mária and Depay? They can't/couldn't live up to legacy left behind by all these players.
I'm not saying that they can't play or that they aren't doing anything for United...
I just feel bitter because it isn't just ANY jersey.
It's the number 7 jersey.
This jersey shouldn't be handed over to just anyone.
*0. George Best (1963–1974)
08.03.16
It's one of the most iconic jersey numbers, and has been worn by some of the greatest footballers ever.
I thought I'd compile a list of some of these players, and take some time to discuss their performances and contributions for the club over their time here.
So here are 7 players who've worn the number 7...
I can't seem to decide who I think deserves the last spot the most...
So... You decide and get back to me on that... :-))))
To kick off this list, (Kick off because this is football!!! It's supposed to be funny... ha ha ha)
at #6 and #7, it's either Di María or Memphis.
6/7. Ángel Di María (2014-2015)
There's an obvious reason why he's at the bottom...
£59.7million.
The 5th most expensive transfer of all time, and the highest fee ever paid by a British club.
I always emphasise the importance of money when it comes to players.
Was he worth the money? Was his performance level worth £59.7million?
He started off reasonably okay, actually...
But perhaps, not good enough to keep him around any longer.
BUT, there's always a debate over Di María's case... Maybe he just wasn't given enough time to adjust the change of play, having moved from La Liga to EPL.
I've mentioned in one of my previous posts about this.
LaLiga and the Premier League are 2 completely different games of football.
It won't be easy for anyone to get used to a league completely out of their comfort zone... It takes a lot of time and hard work.
But it was because he was so expensive, so people expected him to perform at top form immediately.
He left after 1 season...
Even someone like Cristiano Ronaldo took 2 seasons to fully adapt at Man Utd, and then eventually, evolve into the player he had become, before excelling even more at Real.
Same goes for Depay...
£59.7million.
The 5th most expensive transfer of all time, and the highest fee ever paid by a British club.
I always emphasise the importance of money when it comes to players.
Was he worth the money? Was his performance level worth £59.7million?
He started off reasonably okay, actually...
But perhaps, not good enough to keep him around any longer.
BUT, there's always a debate over Di María's case... Maybe he just wasn't given enough time to adjust the change of play, having moved from La Liga to EPL.
I've mentioned in one of my previous posts about this.
LaLiga and the Premier League are 2 completely different games of football.
It won't be easy for anyone to get used to a league completely out of their comfort zone... It takes a lot of time and hard work.
But it was because he was so expensive, so people expected him to perform at top form immediately.
He left after 1 season...
Even someone like Cristiano Ronaldo took 2 seasons to fully adapt at Man Utd, and then eventually, evolve into the player he had become, before excelling even more at Real.
Same goes for Depay...
Memphis Depay (2015-present)
£28million. Not as expensive as Di Maria, but still quite a hefty sum...
I feel as though he's doing no justice to his jersey number.
The English game is too physical for him and he just can't handle it.
I'd like to think that he likes to work a little magic with the ball, with the way he dribbles it.
I would say it's quite pleasing to the eyes actually.
But 2 seconds later, he loses the ball.
He doesn't quite have the physical ability or skill to break up defence coming at him.
I just don't see him performing at the standard that a #7 should be performing at.
Maybe we will see some improvement next season?
I don't know... But with that being said, just like Di María, maybe all he needs is a little bit of time to adjust.
One thing I REALLY don't understand is why LVG still puts him in almost every single game? It annoys me that he isn't making any changes even when he sees that one of his players isn't performing...
*coughs* Probably something to do with both Van Gaal and Depay being Dutch...
Okay, I have to admit that I'm being pretty harsh & bitter over the last two '7's...
But how can I not be, when the (following) top 5 have all left a legacy at Old Trafford?
They set a standard...
-and for me, it's go big or go home.
Moving on to the real number 7s...
5. Michael Owen (2009-2012)
I feel like people always forget that once upon a time, Michael Owen had the number 7 jersey at Man Utd for a good 3 seasons.
We all know that Michael Owen was once considered as one of the greatest strikers when he was in Liverpool.
One of the top scorers there.
A predator, really; with his sharp instincts.
He knew where to be, and when to be there, at the right time.
He is the youngest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League.
And he was also the first and only Liverpool player to receive the Ballon d'Or in 2001.
One of my favourite goals ever, was when Owen scored a last minute goal for Man Utd back in 2009, during a Manchester Derby.
Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, always an exciting match.
And the best part?
Manchester was RED.
The score was 3-2, then Bellamy scored his second goal of the match, and also the equaliser for Man City at the 90th minute.
But of course, it wouldn't be a derby if it just ended with a draw...
Michael Owen scored the winning goal, 6 minutes into injury time.
The referee blew the whistle, and game over.
The red devils proceeded to celebrate their victory of what might have been one of the best Manchester Derbies ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZKZik_bsg0
I guess it's fair to say that Owen only came to United, when he was pretty much past his peak... But (correct me if I'm wrong), at that time, Man Utd had no strikers, and Owen happened to be 'available'.
Like I said, Owen wasn't quite at the top of his game, but Sir Alex had confidence in him, evidently, handing him the number 7 jersey.
We all know that Michael Owen was once considered as one of the greatest strikers when he was in Liverpool.
One of the top scorers there.
A predator, really; with his sharp instincts.
He knew where to be, and when to be there, at the right time.
He is the youngest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League.
And he was also the first and only Liverpool player to receive the Ballon d'Or in 2001.
His style of play was similar to my one of my favourite players, Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
As Solskjær's nickname (Baby Faced Assasin) suggests, like him, Owen would come out of no where, and tap the ball in.
One of my favourite goals ever, was when Owen scored a last minute goal for Man Utd back in 2009, during a Manchester Derby.
Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, always an exciting match.
And the best part?
Manchester was RED.
The score was 3-2, then Bellamy scored his second goal of the match, and also the equaliser for Man City at the 90th minute.
But of course, it wouldn't be a derby if it just ended with a draw...
Michael Owen scored the winning goal, 6 minutes into injury time.
The referee blew the whistle, and game over.
The red devils proceeded to celebrate their victory of what might have been one of the best Manchester Derbies ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZKZik_bsg0
4. David Beckham (1992-2003)
He's got that 90s-boyband, haircut thing going on...
HAHAHA
We all know he's not just a pretty face.
As a footballer, Beckham was a good winger for United,
and made excellent crosses. -------------> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8SBw3oEENo
And for me, it's always a plus point if you came from the Man Utd Academy.
-people always seem to forget about the Academy. I think it's fair to say that some of the best players came from there. (Beckham being exhibit A.)
And that's the case even NOW.
Does the name Rashford ring a bell? Yeah, from the Academy as well.
Moving on...
Beckham was part of a little group that all came from the Manchester United Youth Academy around the same time.
"Fergie's Fledglings" was what they were called.
This group consisted of Beckham himself, the Neville brothers, and Nicky Butt, who now, happens to be the new head coach of the Academy.
He was a good player over the ball, and passed it very well.
He was very hardworking and had everything going for him at United.
Then something, or someone rather, changed his life.
"He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing – from that moment, his life was never going to be the same. He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
As mentioned in the quote, football became only a small part.
The fame started to get to his head, and the boss wasn't happy that his head was getting bigger,-and of course, like what happened to Roy Keane and Jaap Stam, Sir Alex benched him.
Soon after, he was 'forced' to move to Real, seeing as though Man Utd was doing fine and dandy even without him.
Real was interested in buying him, and he was just another addition to their galácticos list.
3. Bryan Robson (1981-1994)
Captain Marvel.
The longest serving captain for Man Utd, and one of the best we've had.
(Having held that position for 12 years straight.)
Also, he was the former England captain, back in the early 80s.
This world-class, English Midfielder had a high supply of stamina, and made exceptional passes and headers, despite numerous injury problems.
Robson had a good goalscoring record, having scored a total of 99 goals for Manchester United.
But most importantly, he was great at being the captain.
He really did play his role as the team leader, constantly giving them direction and guidance.
He constantly gave that extra push that the team needed, whenever they were starting to slip down and lose form.
His 'never-say-die' attitude was what kept the team going.
He was the driving force and the real game changer.
His ability at leading the team brought them the Premier League championship, back-to-back, in 1992/93 and 1993/94.
“An influential person in the dressing room, well-liked by the players, a great captain, and courage? Well, three broken legs, a broken collarbone, a hundred and one hamstring injuries, ankle injuries, and still played till 37 years of age! So that tells you something about the man. Oh, fantastic.”
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-2009)
Quite straight forward... Obviously, one of the best footballers ever.
Talented, skilful and very hardworking.
"Courage in football, as in life, comes in many forms. The courage to continue, no matter how many times he is going to be kicked, identifies Ronaldo."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was a self-creator of goals, and had a consistent goalscoring ability.
How impressive is that???!!
I initially planned to list out all his achievements so far, but that would make up half this post. So here are just the more prestigious ones...
-Ballon d'Or 2008
-Ballon d'Or 2013
-Ballon d'Or 2014
-Second highest goalscorer in LaLiga History
-Portugal's highest goalscorer
-Real Madrid's highest goalscorer
-4 Premier League Player of the Month awards
-2 LaLiga Player of the Month awards
and the list goes on and on...
...and on...
Talented, skilful and very hardworking.
"Courage in football, as in life, comes in many forms. The courage to continue, no matter how many times he is going to be kicked, identifies Ronaldo."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was a self-creator of goals, and had a consistent goalscoring ability.
How impressive is that???!!
I initially planned to list out all his achievements so far, but that would make up half this post. So here are just the more prestigious ones...
-Ballon d'Or 2008
-Ballon d'Or 2013
-Ballon d'Or 2014
-Second highest goalscorer in LaLiga History
-Portugal's highest goalscorer
-Real Madrid's highest goalscorer
-4 Premier League Player of the Month awards
-2 LaLiga Player of the Month awards
and the list goes on and on...
...and on...
Eventually, he slowly progressed to become one of the best players in the world, joined Real and was yet, another Man Utd player to be added to the list of galácticos.
But unlike Beckham, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid solely on as a 'business transaction'.
I mean, Sir Alex bought him for £12 million and had an opportunity to sell him for £80 million... Obviously, the clever decision was to take it.
It was a win-win for both sides, and he left on good terms.
*Throwback moment*
When he scored for Real against Manchester United but didn't celebrate. :')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Qvp8mVm8s
Of course, before his departure from Manchester United, he didn't forget to thank the man who had utmost faith in him and brought him up to where he is today;
"He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career."
One of the main reasons why I adore him so much is because he has always shown respect and gratitude towards Sir Alex, even after his success and achievements.
And in first place we have the legendary....
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1. Eric Cantona (1992-1997)!!!!!!!
It's King Eric!
Very controversial player...
Throwback to the infamous Kung-fu incident.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo2aUfwPQvs
Definitely a nutcase... But putting that all aside, what a phenomenal attacking midfielder.
Similar to how I described Owen.
Very sharp and clever instincts, known for his eye for goal. He knew where and when to be at the right place and the right time.
It's crazy how calm and composed Cantona was when he was on the pitch.
His movement and goals were all so effortless.
He scored plenty of goals and also created lots of them.
Another thing is that Cantona never started of with the number 7 jersey.
He was initially given number 10 and 12, and then eventually 7, after a season at United.
Do you know what that means?
He earned that jersey.
"Collar turned up, back straight, chest stuck out, Eric glided into the arena as if he owned the place."
-Roy Keane.
"If there was ever a player in this world who was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Watch this clip and you will understand my frustration over the 2 players ranked at 6 and 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj_0swSltDg
It's just not the same...
Ronaldo, Robson, Beckham, and even Owen, have all done justice to the jersey.
Di Mária and Depay? They can't/couldn't live up to legacy left behind by all these players.
I'm not saying that they can't play or that they aren't doing anything for United...
I just feel bitter because it isn't just ANY jersey.
It's the number 7 jersey.
This jersey shouldn't be handed over to just anyone.
Number 7 should be someone who can make a difference.
When the team is struggling, he should be the one to turn things around.
(I just realised how passive-aggressive I sound... Oops...)
Perhaps, I shouldn't be 'attacking' Di Maria and Depay...
I should be blaming the idiot who decided it would be a good idea to hand out #7 to not just random players, but to players who are both still adapting to the game...
He obviously doesn't realise that receiving the jersey means you have big shoes to fill.
When the team is struggling, he should be the one to turn things around.
(I just realised how passive-aggressive I sound... Oops...)
Perhaps, I shouldn't be 'attacking' Di Maria and Depay...
I should be blaming the idiot who decided it would be a good idea to hand out #7 to not just random players, but to players who are both still adapting to the game...
He obviously doesn't realise that receiving the jersey means you have big shoes to fill.
 |
| Literally me. |
*0. George Best (1963–1974)
George Best is labeled #0 simply because I don't quite know too much about him.
~R.I.P George Best.~
AND the fact that he played in the era of football where short-shorts were worn, makes it harder to find videos of him playing, that were filmed in the 60s and 70s.
All I know is that he was a legend and one of the BEST Irish footballers of all time.
Get it.. BEST footballer of all time?? Because his name is 'Best'.
Okay sorry, I'll stop.
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"Don't ever think you're above a challenge. It's not right. Arrogance is not a quality, it's a hindrance to success."
-Sir Alex Ferguson.
08.03.16
