7 great Manchester United number sevens

Alexis Sanchez becomes the latest player to wear United’s most famous shirt.

Published Jan 22, 2018

Last updated Jan 22, 2018

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 (PA Archive)

George Best (1963-74)

George Best was the first of Manchester United’s high-profile number sevens.

Steve Coppell (1975-83)

Steve Coppell in action for United (Peter Robinson/EMPICS)

Bryan Robson (1981-94)

Bryan Robson was one of Manchester United's great captains — Bryan Robson was one of Manchester United’s great captains (Phil O’Brien/EMPICS)

Eric Cantona (1992-97)

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)

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) — Cristiano Ronaldo has made the number seven shirt his own after first taking it at Manchester United.