POLL: Who is the best Number 7 to play for Manchester United?

The Number 7 Jersey is the most iconic and desired jersey in the history Manchester United. Only the best of Manchester United have donned this jersey until recently. There have been 5 iconic players to have graced this jersey and given it the special status it holds in Manchester United and its glorious history. Here is a look at which one of them might win the award for the best number 7 of Man Utd:

George Best

The Irishman is regarded as one of the greatest player. He was constantly in the news for his actions both on and off the field. He was a player of a different breed. He was a serious womanizer and an alcoholic. He spent most of his time off the field dating celebrity models and and indulging in exotic vacations. He also loved expensive cars and had a quite a big collection of the latest wheels. On field, he played as a winger for Manchester United and Northern Ireland. He made a habit of dribbling past players with astonishing skill and pace and made it look ever so easy. He had outstanding ability with both feet and had no such thing as a weak foot. He also had an amazing goal scoring record for his club as well as country. Best is the only Northern Irish player to win the Ballon d’Or, while his defining moment in a United shirt saw him lift the European Cup in 1968. He was one of the most charismatic sportsmen of his time and was a lethal combination of extravagance and eloquence. On the pitch, he was a true professional and an amazing player. He truly deserved his Number 7 jersey.

Bryan Robson

This great Englishman is the very embodiment of a complete footballer. He controlled most games from his midfield position and was relentless in his attempts to keep possession of the ball. He had the uncanny ability to make something out of absolutely nothing. He was United’s longest serving captain and helped the team win quite a number of trophies. He also captained the Three Lions 65 times and was a brilliant representative of the nation. Robson’s trademark bursts through the midfield resulted in an impressive goal scoring record. He was a real treat to watch and was a constant threat to goal from his midfield position. ‘Captain Marvel’, as he is known, was the real backbone of his Manchester United team and was always an example being a captain leading from the front.

Eric Cantona

“La Roi”, as this eccentric Frenchman was affectionately called, is fondly remembered as one of the best forwards in the club’s history. In the short time he spent with the Red Devils, he created tremors around the continent. He was one of the most feared strikers in the league and helped Manchester United win the inaugural Premier League by a margin of 10 points! Cantona arrived from arch rivals Leeds United in 1992. After that, there was no looking back for the Frenchman. He was ruthless in front of goal and one of the toughest players to mark. He made the Premier League his play ground and made the opposition managers’  job very difficult, toying with them for five years as he terrorized defenses until he retired in 1997. He is widely regarded as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best signings and was also voted as Manchester United’s greatest ever player by Inside United magazine.

David Beckham

If George Best created the celebrity footballer lifestyle, David Beckham took it to a whole new level. He was part of the “new guard” of Manchester United and came out from the academy along with the likes of fellow legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The two time Ballon d’Or runner up was one of the classiest, talented and most gifted players to ever grace the Number 7 jersey. He was a dead ball specialist and his curving ability from free kicks made him one of the most sought after players. He was a key player in United’s treble winning season of 1999. Off the field, he was in the centre of the  paparazzi attention and was the face of the biggest of brands. He was the highest paid athlete of his time and is still among the top three earners in world football. It is no surprise that a movie was made and named after his famous skill, ‘Bend it like Beckham’. He is married to former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, and together are the most valuable couple in the footballing world.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The best winger as of today, the 2008 Ballon d’Or winner, the world beater, an iconic free kick taker, the ‘arrogant’ dribbler; Cristiano Ronaldo has done it all. Widely regarded as one of the best ever players, this Portuguese forward has gracefully inherited the legacy of the Number 7 jersey and created a legacy of his own. He constantly toyed around with defenders easily dribbled past them and kept putting the ball into the back of the net. There was just no stopping him. He went on to help United win the Champions League and the Premier league in 2008 before eventually following the footsteps of his Number 7 predecessor, Beckham, to Real Madrid. During his time with Manchester United, he helped them win several major trophies and won numerous individual honours as well. He also become the first-ever Premier League player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award, and the club’s first Ballon d’Or winner since former number 7, George Best, in 1968.

The winner

George Best. He was a catalyst in the emergence, rise and dominance of Manchester United and undoubtedly the best player of his generation. He made life difficult for every opponent and was the most fearsome figure on the pitch. He defined the “never say die” attitude and was the very soul of  his team. This is the true Manchester United spirit; one that has passed on from generation to generation. The legacy was started by this great Irishman and irrespective of his off-field actions and personal life, on the pitch he was an idol and a true footballing icon. Blessed with exquisite technique, unbelievable skill, serious pace and nerves of steel, this player is the best Number 7  in the club.