Fantasy Premier League: Unleashing the Creativity with 60 Striking Team Names for the 2023/24 Season

Rating every Manchester United number seven of the PL era: A Journey through Creativity and Striking

The Legacy of the Number Seven

Over the years, the number seven jersey at Manchester United has become synonymous with creativity and striking prowess. Legendary footballers such as George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham have etched their names into history while wearing this iconic number. The number seven jersey carries immense pressure and expectation, requiring its wearer to embody the spirit of the club and deliver exceptional performances on the pitch.

Evaluating the Manchester United Number Sevens

In this analysis, we will embark on a journey through the Premier League era to rate the various players who have worn the number seven jersey for Manchester United. We will consider their individual contributions, creativity, and striking abilities, as well as their impact on the team during their respective tenures. This assessment will provide a holistic view of the players’ impact and assist in rating them accordingly.

George Best: The Original Maverick

George Best, undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Manchester United’s history, donned the number seven jersey from 1963 to 1974. Best combined elegance, speed, and skill, leaving spectators in awe. His dribbles and ability to create scoring opportunities were unparalleled. Best’s creativity and striking prowess propelled Manchester United to success, contributing significantly to their 1968 European Cup triumph. He will forever be remembered as the original maverick of the number seven legacy.

Eric Cantona: The King of Manchester

Eric Cantona, an enigmatic and charismatic figure, carried the number seven jersey from 1992 to 1997. Despite joining Manchester United relatively late in his career, Cantona had an indelible impact on the club. His unique blend of technique, vision, and audacity revolutionized the team’s style of play. Cantona not only scored crucial goals but also provided an incredible number of assists, displaying his creativity on and off the ball. He became the undisputed king of Manchester and left an indelible mark on the number seven legacy.

David Beckham: The Golden Right Foot

David Beckham, a product of Manchester United’s youth academy, made the number seven jersey his own from 1997 to 2003. His pinpoint crosses, long-range accuracy, and set-piece expertise transformed him into a global superstar. Beckham’s creativity and striking ability showcased his versatility, contributing immensely to the team’s success. Although he faced scrutiny and controversy off the field, Beckham’s performances constantly silenced critics. His golden right foot and incredible work rate solidified his place among the great Manchester United number sevens.

The Post-Beckham Era

Following Beckham’s departure, the number seven jersey posed a significant challenge for subsequent players. Cristiano Ronaldo, Antonio Valencia, and Memphis Depay all wore the iconic number but failed to truly live up to the expectations set by their predecessors. However, they each made noteworthy contributions to Manchester United, albeit unable to replicate the same level of impact as their predecessors.

Advice for the 2023/24 Season

As Manchester United looks ahead to the 2023/24 season, it is crucial to carefully consider who will inherit the number seven jersey. The club should focus on bringing in a player with exceptional creativity, striking ability, and the mental fortitude to handle the immense pressure that comes with wearing this iconic number. It is essential to find a player who embodies the spirit of Manchester United and has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, adding to the rich history of number sevens at the club.

In conclusion, the number seven jersey at Manchester United holds great significance. From the exhilarating dribbles of George Best to the audacious swagger of Eric Cantona and the iconic crosses of David Beckham, each player has left an indelible mark on the history of Manchester United. While subsequent number sevens have struggled to replicate their success, the club must carefully select a successor who can embrace the legacy and lead the team to new heights of creativity and striking efficacy.