Manchester United's number 7 style

If there is one thing that can bring a Liverpool fan and Manchester United fan together, it is their shared veneration of the number 7 shirt. Both clubs have seen undisputed legends wear the iconic number, and both will, coincidentally, see new names trying to honor past 7s starting next season. Given the glorious history of the number at Liverpool, it was natural to want to take a look at its aesthetic history when Luis Díaz decided to switch from his 23 jersey mere days ago. Now, with Mason Mount doing the same after his arrival at United, it is our duty to analyze how the Red Devils’ number 7 style has developed throughout the decades.

George Best - uncontrollable free spirit

Easily the most recognizable player of his time, George Best laid the foundations for the number 7 legend in Manchester, courtesy of his unprecedented talent. You could, however, argue that it was his off-field persona that gave the 7 shirt a life of its own. Best was a rock star disguised as a footballer, famous for leading an uncontainable playboy lifestyle that went hand-in-hand with his nickname “The Fifth Beatle” or “El Beatle”. As time passed and his fame grew, Best’s look changed drastically, and he swapped out the Beatle-style “mop” haircut for a longer, disheveled version. He grew out his famous beard, and started to resemble a hippie on the football pitch more than anything. He fully embodied the counterculture movement that persisted throughout the 1960s, and challenged the prudent, solemn image that people had of footballers. He was the first true star of the sport.

Eric Cantona - exotic foreigner

It is close to impossible attempting to picture Eric Cantona without his iconic turned-up collar. Number 7 on his back, shaved head, collar worn differently from everybody else. This was Cantona, a unique player with a unique look. The Frenchman was one of, if not the very first foreign top player in England, and he brought with himself an exotic charm reinforced by his collar and pompous, arrogant personality. Aside from his stellar performances, everything else about his character made him a cult hero and further elevated the status of the number 7 shirt.

David Beckham - 90s pretty boy

David Beckham’s style needs no introduction. By and large one of the most recognizable football faces off the pitch, Becks was a pop culture and fashion icon during his days as United’s number 7. This, combined with his on-pitch exploits between 1992 and 2003, made some Manchester United shirt true gems for any self-respecting jersey collector. The Umbro x SHARP, as well as Nike x Vodafone ones come to mind. Beckham’s ability to be a football and media star simultaneously was unparalleled, aided by his numerous looks that ranged from buzzcut to mohawk. It was his curtains days, however, that most heavily conveyed that pure 90s energy that could have granted him a spot in a boy band.

Cristiano Ronaldo - flashy superstar

The last truly great 7 at United. How could anyone forget his look with that iconic number on his back? Gelled hair, Mercurials on his feet, long socks, and ankle tape, like the true 2000s superstar he was. He stood out because of his style choice to wear long sleeves, which has been a staple in the Portuguese’s look ever since. Ronaldo’s time at United’s service with the 7 on his back is when he first started establishing himself as a commercial force, someone who, like Beckham, had the potential to attract media attention off the pitch. CR7’s reputation today goes far beyond football - this is where it started.

The 2010s flops

As for the aesthetics of the 2010s, the number 7 did not find a true heir. Between Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Ángel Di María, Memphis Depay, Alexis Sanchez, and Edinson Cavani, some did better, while others flopped completely. None of them, however, were able to endure the pressure that this jersey brought onto them, forcing fans to seek refuge in the nostalgia of better times, when United's number 7 dominated the European football stage. So, a decade to forget for the number 7, and now that we make our way into the 2020s, let us hope that Mount can bring some quality back to this symbol of Red Devil greatness.