🔴 Why the Number 7 Jersey Is ‘Cursed’ at Manchester United Since Ronaldo Left

🔴 Why the Number 7 Jersey Is ‘Cursed’ at Manchester United Since Ronaldo Left

By Olango❤️Junior💙

There’s no number more iconic at Manchester United than the legendary No. 7 shirt. It's the jersey of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham… and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. But ever since Ronaldo’s first departure in 2009, it feels like that shirt has carried a curse.

⚽ The Legacy of the No. 7

Before the curse talk, let’s remember the glory:

George Best: A magician on the ball and a Ballon d'Or winner.

Eric Cantona: The King of Old Trafford, who brought swagger and silverware.

David Beckham: The global icon whose right foot wrote Premier League history.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The teenage star who became a global superstar, winning a Ballon d'Or and Champions League.

Each of them elevated the number. They didn’t just wear it — they defined it.

🧨 The “Curse” Begins

Once Ronaldo left in 2009, United never quite found the same magic again in the No. 7. Instead, it became a symbol of pressure, disappointment, and injury.

Let’s take a look at the post-Ronaldo wearers:

1. Michael Owen (2009–2012)

Once a Ballon d'Or winner, but spent most of his time injured.

Scored that winner vs City in 2009, but never lived up to the shirt’s weight.

2. Antonio Valencia (2012–2013)

Reluctantly wore the No. 7 for one season — his worst at United.

Requested to go back to No. 25 the next year. Enough said.

3. Ángel Di María (2014–2015)

A huge signing with world-class talent — flopped massively under Van Gaal.

Left after one season, barely fighting for a spot in the XI.

4. Memphis Depay (2015–2017)

Had promise, flair, and hype — but faded fast under pressure.

Couldn’t handle the weight of expectation.

5. Alexis Sánchez (2018–2020)

The most high-profile flop of the post-Fergie era.

Huge wages, little impact. Fans still cringe at the piano unveiling video.

6. Edinson Cavani (2020–2022)

Showed flashes of class and passion, but age and fitness limited his impact.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Return) (2021–2022)

A short revival of the magic, but ended in dressing room chaos and public fallouts.

8. Mason Mount (2023–Present)

Yet to make a real mark, and fans already question whether he fits the "No. 7" DNA.

🤔 Is It Just Pressure — Or Something Deeper?

Is it the weight of expectation? The media hype? Or does the No. 7 shirt at United carry a genuine psychological burden now?

Each player since Ronaldo’s first exit has either struggled with form, injuries, or confidence. It’s as though the No. 7 has become a mirror — reflecting not just the player’s talent, but the full pressure of Manchester United’s global identity.

🧪 Will the Curse Be Broken?

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild, and a new sporting strategy focused on mentality, athleticism, and long-term planning, perhaps the next No. 7 will finally revive the magic. But until then… the “curse” lingers.

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Do you think the No. 7 shirt at United is cursed or just overhyped?

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