Manchester United: 3 players who could inherit Alexis Sanchez's number 7 jersey next season

Manchester United have an iconic number 7 jersey that had been so popular up till Cristiano Ronaldo's era. Now the number has lost it's magic due to the Red Devil's failure to find a promising player who could match Ronaldo's quality and fame.

The club had bought several big names such as Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay with eye-watering transfer fees but all of them eventually ended up in disappointment. Alexis Sanchez was then bought as their latest addition to wear the number 7 jersey.

Although he did not cost United a single penny on transfer last year, Sanchez's colossal £500,000 a week wage reflects of how much the Red Devils value him. The Chilean had shined so bright with Arsenal and it was only normal that his new club wanted him to be the next Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

Sadly, now everybody knows that Sanchez has turned out to be United's biggest burden as he has struggled to regain his productivity for months. It is understandable that the Red Devils would not want to keep him any longer. Hence, let's take a look at 3 players who could inherit the number 7 next season:

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#3 Paulo Dybala

Juventus star Paulo Dybala has been on Manchester United's radar

Dybala has long been on Manchester United's radar due to his impressive seasons with Juventus. The Argentinian is a rare-breed of a footballer who shares very similar playing characteristics with Lionel Messi and has the potential to be on the Barcelona star's level in the future.

An agile, sharp attacker with a broad range of vision, the 25-year-old can easily score or create chances by himself. He could play equally well on the right flank or as a striker. Hence, he could easily replace Sanchez or Lukaku at United.

Last season the Juventus star was the club's top scorer with 22 goals and 5 assists in the Serie A. However, he has been overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo this term. His productivity has also sharply dropped as he has only found the net 4 times in 25 Serie A appearances.

Massimilano Allegri even played him sporadically in some positions on several of Juventus's latest matches. Hence, he could escape from these miseries by opening a new chapter in Old Trafford where he could be the main star. If Sanchez leaves, Dybala would likely inherit the Chilean's jersey due to Marcus Rashford wearing the number 10.

#2 Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho has endured a difficult season at Barcelona

The Brazilian has been subject to numerous speculations from the media due to his recent poor situations. He has a load of expectations due to the fact that Barcelona bought him for a record €120 million from Liverpool last year.

After he had some promising performances in his debut season for Barcelona, Coutinho has failed to justify his immense transfer value. He has only scored a goal in his last 10 appearances for the club and Ernesto Valverde has used him mostly as a second fiddle due to his poor performances.

However, Manchester United could still serve as a suitable escape route for the poor Brazilian. He had been so successful in his 6 Premier League seasons with Liverpool. Hence, he could go back and regain confidence in a league where he had excelled before.

The former Inter superstar is a versatile player who could play as a central, attacking midfielder, or on the left flank and will be suitable to fill Sanchez's role. He would gladly inherit the Chilean's number 7 jersey as it is his favorite number.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann is one of Manchester United's big targets

Atletico Madrid was right when they decided to splash a huge €30 million for Griezmann who back then was a new phenomenon at Real Sociedad. The Frenchman made an instant impact in his debut season for Atletico, scoring 22 league goals in 29 starting appearances.

He is now worth every penny and has even turned to be a massive bargain for Diego Simeone's side as he is now worth more than €100 million. It is no secret that Manchester United has been one of the clubs who want him so badly since long ago.

Now a move for the 28-year-old seems possible with Atletico set to endure a disappointing trophyless season. The World Cup winner had played as a winger on several occasions but, he might not be suitable as a direct replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

Nevertheless, his sharpness would significantly improve United's attack and, he would be the likely new number 7 if the Chilean departs due to the Frenchman's favoritism in number 7 at both country and club.