Manchester United FC are one of the biggest clubs in the world in terms of financial stature and trophies won. The club could’ve not have achieved such a feat without having great players who performed day in and day out. The Red Devils have always had great forwards and wingers and it has been a tradition to have the best players at United.
The club fans have a special place in their hearts for players who donned the famous United No.7 shirt. The Red Devils have had some huge names wear No.7 for them who have ultimately become club legends. Today we take a look at the best players to have ever worn the fabled No.7 for Manchester United.
#4 GEORGE BEST –
Arguably one of the most iconic players to have ever kicked a ball, George Best was indeed best at whatever he did. The magnitude of Best’s quality can be easily identified because of his sixth place in the FIFA Player of the Century list. George Best, along with Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, formed the most dreaded attacking trio in United history.
The silky left-winger played served the Red Devils for 11 years while winning the European Footballer of the Year in 1968. The winger scored 137 goals for the Red Devils in his 11 years at Old Trafford, where he played 361 games. Best eventually became a youth icon and is regarded as the first media celebrity footballer.
His exuberance, playboy image and extravagant lifestyle often drew a lot of attention, but never took away his focus from football.
#3 ERIC CANTONA –
One of the most controversial players to have ever worn a Manchester United shirt is mercurial Frenchman Eric Cantona. The striker played for the Red Devils for only 5 seasons but the impact he had on the team is unmatched. Cantona was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest signings and the manager called Cantona as his prodigal son.
The Frenchman played a total of 179 games for the Red Devils in which he scored 81 goals. Not just that, Cantona also provided 61 assists in those games, which takes his goal contribution tally to 142 in 179 games. But his lack of discipline and problems in his attitude brought his a lot of criticism, as he once kicked a spectator in an on-going game.
Eric Cantona won the Premier League in four of his five seasons at the club. Despite all his problems, he was inducted into the Premier League hall of fame and is mentioned in FIFA 100 list of world’s greatest living players.
#2 DAVID BECKHAM –
One of the only players to have worn both the No.10 and No.7 for United is former England captain David Beckham. Beckham was a graduate of Manchester United’s academy and belonged to the world-famous Class of ’92 batch. Beckham was an epitome of professionalism and wore his heart one the badge as he served the Red Devils for 11 years.
Known for his style and class on and off the pitch, Beckham was one of the best crossers in football history. In his 11-year stay at United, the midfielder played 387 games in which he scored 85 goals and assisted 98 assists. Beckham is one of the most loved players and Manchester United and his songs are still sung in the stands.
The English superstar won 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League in 1999 with the Red Devils. Beckham was sold to Real Madrid after a bust-up with Ferguson, but still has a great relationship with the ex-manager and United.
#1 CRISTIANO RONALDO –
Arguably one of the greatest players to have played for United and in the history of football is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar signed for the Red Devils in 2003 and spent 6 years at Old Trafford. In his time at Old Trafford, Ronaldo became the world’s best player and also won the Ballon d’Or in 2008.
He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008 and stamped his authority in Europe winning the European Golden Boot. Ronaldo, in his 6-year stay, won Premier League thrice, FA Cup once, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup once each. The winger outshined everyone else in the Premier League in his last couple of years at the club.
Ronaldo was signed by Real Madrid in 2009 for a world record transfer fee. He has gone on to become Real Madrid’s all-time highest goalscorer as well.
