Five players capable of wearing the number 7 shirt at Manchester United

In his 25-year, trophy-laden and illustrious career at Old Trafford, Sir Alex has fulfilled the vow he made back in 1986. His life-long dream of "knocking Liverpool off their f***ing perch" effectuated into solid reality some years back.

Throughout the four teams he built at United, each one has consisted of a legendary no.7 figure. Robson, Cantona, Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all gone down in the history books as legends of the club. Each player has been a pivotal pillar in their respective teams.

But, the fairy tale hasn't quite continued since Ronaldo's world record move to Real Madrid in 2009. Though United have won trophies, they aren't a feared team in Europe. Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Memphis Depay, and Angel Di Maria have all proven impotent to shoulder the pressure of being a no.7 at United. Perhaps, it is the history of the shirt that adds extra pressure over the one who wears it.

Any keen observer might see that in order to be the best again, United must have a no.7 in their star-studded lineup. This also makes the shirt seem like a lucky charm. And United must have it back if they are to usher another golden age. Let's take a look at the possible players in the present age, capable of wearing the shirt at Old Trafford.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

The Euro 2016 top scorer has enjoyed an enormously successful yet an unlucky spell with Atletico Madrid, losing the Champions League final twice to cross-town rivals Real Madrid. Griezmann does wear the number 7 for Atletico as well as France, being an ardent follower of former United great David Beckham.

Although Atletico's transfer ban has seen him stay put, who knows, a move to United may still be on the cards in winter or next summer. And, if the transfer does go through, Griezmann would join an already strong United firepower consisting of Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while retaining his favourite kit number.

#2 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale at Real Madrid

Another transfer season has come to a close, but United still haven't been able to poach Gareth Bale from the clutches of Real Madrid. A player well known for his good vision, electrifying pace, defence-splitting runs, long-distance goals and sublime dribbling skills, Gareth Bale seems tailor-made for the no.7 shirt at Old Trafford.

After joining Los Blancos in 2013, Bale has won three Champions League titles, while experiencing a dip in his consistency. And, these problems haven't gone unnoticed through United's eyes, as they look to bring Bale back to England.

Sir Alex was interested in his services, back when he played for boyhood club Southampton. Thierry Henry has already given his consent, stating that the Welsh winger would rip the Premier League apart, if he returned to the English top-flight.

#3 Neymar

Neymar

A talent who has already been touted as the future best player in the world, Neymar was quick to take the La Liga by storm after his difficult first season with FC Barcelona. The subject of bids from both Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2011, the Brazilian forward opted to go with the latter, to link up with Argentine magician Leo Messi. But, the deemed successor to Messi recently saw his Barcelona days come to an end after falling out with the Barcelona board, resulting in his world record transfer to Paris Saint Germain worth €222 million.

In his days with the Blaugrana, Neymar was a crucial part of the devastating trio of himself, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, that tore the league apart since 2014. The trio nicknamed 'MSN' amassed a whopping 364 goals in 450 appearances together, winning Champions League in the process in 2015.

A special talent and a born winger, Neymar's ability to bamboozle defenders with his tricks have left fans speechless many times. Also, the Brazilian certainly has the confidence to handle the pressure of being the talisman of a club.

PSG have already started reaping the benefits, after giving the Neymar the desired freedom he missed at Barcelona. United also had joined the fray for Neymar in the summer, but the Brazilian opted for French champions instead. A tailor-made player for the number 7 at Old Trafford, Neymar would have certainly ushered a golden age, had United secured his services.

#4 Marcus Rashford

Rashford could prove to be a capable successor for the shirt

It is nearly a year since the 19-year-old Marcus Rashford announced himself on the world footballing stage with a debut brace against Arsenal, and he hasn't looked back since. One of the only three players to get a two digit goal tally, Rashford found the back of the net 11 times last season, including a goal in the Manchester Derby.

Already touted as the next big thing to make it through the youth ranks, Rashford is a skilled and tricky forward who isn't afraid to take on the defenders and is quite successful in getting fans on their toes with his electrifying runs.

Also, he has taken the number 7 for England recently. Considering his age, the United number 7 might add heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. But, who knows, United might have another Cristiano Ronaldo!

#5 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez plays as a number 7 for Arsenal and Chile

The recent subject of a deadline day tug-of-war between the Manchester giants, Alexis Sanchez has proved he has what it takes to be one of the best players in Premier League. Alexis has a plethora of strengths that definitely support his bid for the number 7 at United.

Dribbling, Long shots, free-kicks, key passes and finishing abilities have helped him amass 30 goals and 10 assists last season, his undisputed best at Arsenal. On his day, the wily Chilean can wreak havoc, terrorising defenders and score world-class goals. After his transfer to Manchester City failed on deadline day, United have the chance to sign the Sanchez in winter, which will be a great coup for their team.

Despite the possibilities, it still remains to be seen whether the fans can see another worthy number 7 dancing down the wings.