Manchester United: The legend of the number '7' jersey

Folklore and football are intertwined. There is probably no other game in the world that has more history and tradition than football. And a part of that tradition is jersey numbers. The first time numbers were used in Europe was in 1928 by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Since then, these numbers have become an iconic tradition and some of them have acquired a special significance. The most mythical and historical of these is the number ‘7’ jersey at Manchester United.

The legend of this jersey goes back to after the Second World War. True football geeks would remember that the first player signed by Sir Matt Busby was Jimmy Delaney, who arrived from Celtic. He cemented his place in football lore by helping United to the FA Cup in 1948; their first since 1908. The winger did not have a long stay at Old Trafford but became a crowd favourite for his achievements in the FA cup. In fairness, he was the man who gave birth to the legend of Busby.

The next man who made this jersey famous was Johnny Berry, who was part of the famous ‘Busby Babes’. He wore the jersey for eight seasons, during which United won the league title three times. His career was cruelly cut short by injuries suffered during the Munich air disaster, which killed eight of his teammates. This was probably the moment when the jersey acquired an ethereal quality. A simple number got added up to the weight of history and a gauntlet of expectations and nostalgia. Before the crash Berry was regarded as one of the finest British players and in reality he was the man that gave birth to the legend of the number ’7′ jersey.

The prodigal son: Cristiano Ronaldo pictured here in 2003 salutes the fans during a game against Bolton Wanderers. (Getty Images)

The man who really made the number ‘7’ jersey and indeed Manchester United famous was George Best. The Northern Irishman was known as the ‘Fifth Beatle’ for he had everything – the looks, the charm, the cars and the skills-set. Mesmerizing on the field, he was a hit off it. He was perhaps the first ‘modern’ footballer; the first ‘face’ of football. Together with Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law, he formed ‘The Holy Trinity’ under Sir Matt Busby and won them their first European Cup of 1968. Football has seen the likes of Pele, who got many goals and later Maradona, who set the world on fire. But watch the man in a couple of videos and one can’t help but agree with age old adage: ‘Pele good; Maradona better; George Best.’

The next man to be the part of the legacy was Bryan Robson. Now most people remember Roy Keane as a tough midfielder. Robson was in the same league. He was the first non-winger to wear the number ‘7’ jersey. ‘Captain Marvel’ as he is fondly remembered was indeed a marvel. Amongst today’s fans Paul Scholes and Keane are considered the best United midfielders. But talk to any old time fan who watched him (in this case a distinct older relative, a fan of Manchester City) and for that generation Robson is the best midfielder United ever had. And for many others he is the best United player ever. He wore the jersey for thirteen long years, and wore it with gusto, heart and unbridled passion.

King: Eric Cantona of Manchester United is surrounded by the fans after a match against Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester in 1995. (Getty Images)

For me, the greatest ever footballer is Eric Cantona – ‘The King’ of Old Trafford. Another ambassador of the number ‘7’ jersey, he was perhaps the most famous. He was a player ’tailor-made’ for Manchester United. The word ‘legend’ is thrown around too often these days but this man was a true legend. He was a genius on the field and even his ‘kung-fu’ kick added to his charm. Reading through David Beckham’s autobiography, one realises that he was affable and brilliant with youngsters. While suspended he trained the young academy players and men like Beckham and Scholes still credit a large part of their growth to him. At times, he pulled United forward all on his own. He was not a United man for as long as some of the others, but the impact he had on the Mancunians is unparalleled.

After Cantona left, many felt that the jersey should be retired once and for all. Sir Alex Ferguson though had other ideas. He gave the jersey to Beckham. He is a name that still excites crowds all over the world. He may have left Old Trafford under a cloud, but to this day is a darling of the Stretford End. His dead ball qualities exquisite and his crosses were almost always inch perfect. David Beckham is a brand in himself and was key to United’s global explosion in the late 90’s. He was a part of ‘Fergie’s fledglings’ and a worthy successor for the hallowed jersey.

The ‘original’ prodigal son: David Beckham of Manchester United in action against West Ham in at Upton Park, London, England in 1998. (Getty Images)

The man who succeeded Beckham was, well, awesome. Cristiano Ronaldo is the complete footballer if ever there was one. At 18, he was given the number ‘7’ jersey, and he surely lived up to it. From a promising teenager, he was moulded into a finished product by Sir Alex. His pace on the ball, his tricks with it, and his unbelievable self belief were reminiscent of Cantona. His impact too was very similar. When all chips seemed down, Ronaldo popped up suddenly with the ball, and in a moment of pure brilliance lifted the whole stadium. He gave his team a swagger, which in truth carried United over some lean times. He may have left the club at his prime but what he did for the red half of Manchester is etched into legend.

Even the erstwhile Michael Owen managed a moment of brilliance with the historic jersey on his back. His winner in the 96th minute in one of the best Manchester derbies of all-time ensured him a small niche in United history. The current holder Antonio Valencia has been on the wane this season. Last season he too seemed to be propelled by the legend of the sacred jersey but this year all he seems to be doing is maligning it.

The legend of the number ‘7’ at Old Trafford is something that will endure forever. For as long as people play the game, there will be heroes at Old Trafford and be it coincidence or design, you will find that inadvertently the biggest would wear the number ‘7’ jersey.