With Cristiano Ronaldo expected to be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, two Red Devils stars are reportedly vying to succeed the Portuguese icon as the club's next No. 7.
Portuguese Press Turn On Ronaldo?
After Ronaldo first left Old Trafford for Real Madrid back in 2009, many donned the famous No. 7 jersey at United.
The likes of Michael Owen, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay and Antonio Valencia all wore the squad number for a period of time after the Portuguese moved to Spain.
While they may have been considered household names at the time, though, it seems that once they wore the shirt number, they failed to live up to the expectations created by George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Ronaldo himself.
It seemed the weight of the shirt may have been too much for some until Edinson Cavani arrived in the red half of Manchester.
The Uruguayan hitman restored a sense of prestige to the iconic number with his performances during the 2020/21 season, but this was short-lived as Ronaldo returned to the club to wear the shirt number once again in August 2021.
However, after a solitary season back, it appears the Portugal captain will once again relinquish the jersey at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, with the 37-year-old seemingly on the periphery of Erik ten Hag's plans for the team.
According to Manchester Evening News, wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony are both eager to take the famous number should Ronaldo leave.
Report: Haaland Makes Transfer Request To Bellingham
While Sancho has been at the club longer, both will likely need to put in consistent and brilliant performances this season in order to validate their case for taking over the shirt from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In
