Manchester United trio have two months to answer No.7 shirt argument

It is set to be another summer of change at Manchester United. There could be new owners, new signings, and a new captain, while it is also an opportunity to bid farewell to players no longer needed.

There are a lot of smaller changes to make, too. Erik ten Hag could look to make tactical tweaks to his setup, and could look to freshen up his squad by promoting youngsters or integrating players who have shone on loan.

Then there is a job that might seem inconsequential at first, but could play a part in their hopes of success next season: choosing the squad numbers.

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At the top of the list is the famed No.7 shirt, which has remained vacant ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club late last year. It is arguably the most famous shirt number in all of world football, and has the ability to build a player's entire brand, such as with 'CR7'.

The mere mention of the word conjures memories of Old Trafford legends George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. Though, for every star that shines, there is also someone who has failed to live up to the expectations.

Michael Owen, Memphis Depay and Angel di Maria never managed to handle the demands of the number, while the pressure of the shirt was so much that Antonio Valencia requested his old number back, such was his demise after wearing it for one season. So while it might seem like just a shirt number, it will be a big call for Ten Hag this summer to choose a player worthy of wearing it, who he thinks will thrive under the pressure rather than wilt.

Right now, there would appear to be two leading candidates for it, and they have two months remaining in the season to make their case.

Antony would