Manchester United's 7 greatest No. 7s

Alexis Sanchez' transfer to Manchester United is official and he will be wearing the Red Devils' No. 7 shirt. By doing so, the Chilean will be following in the footsteps of several all-time United greats.

Very few shirts are as iconic as the famous No. 7 at Manchester United. At one point, you could have believed that players were destined for greatness just by simply wearing the kit.

However, the Red Devils' recent No. 7s have proven, that it's not the kit that makes the players legendary, it's the players that make the kit legendary. Since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in 2009, his kit's successors have combined for just 11 of United's 617 Premier League goals.

So, without further ado, it is time to take a look at the seven greatest players to wear the No. 7 shirt at the Theatre of Dreams:

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#7 Antonio Valencia

Just about makes the list: Antonio Valencia

A difficult decision for various reasons. Despite several United legends having donned the shirt throughout the years, there has also been a significant number of players, who couldn't deal with the pressure.

Especially in recent times, players have failed to live up to the expectations that come along with the most prestigious shirt number in world football. Although Valencia also suffered under this pressure, the rest of his United career just about justifies his spot at the bottom of the list.

While the likes of Memphis Depay, Angel di Maria or Michael Owen never consistently delivered, the toughest contestant would arguably be Andrey Kanchelskis, who temporarily wore the No. 7 in the absence of one of the true United greats, Bryan Robson.

However, as Kanchelskis was only an interim holder of the shirt, Valencia gets the vote. The Ecuadorian is an indispensable member of Mourinho's side, now wearing the No. 25 again, after an underwhelming year with the No. 7, and has become one of the team's leaders in his new role at right-back.

#6 Steve Coppell

The former Kerala Blasters coach's career ended way too early

The current head coach of Jamshedpur FC wore the famous shirt from 1975 until 1981 and the former winger still holds the club record for the most consecutive league appearances by an outfield player, with 206.

Coppell was a key figure in the United team that went to two consecutive FA Cup finals in the mid-70s. While the team surprisingly lost 1-0 to Southampton in the 1976 final, Coppell and his teammates redeemed themselves in 1977.

Going into the match as the underdogs, United surprisingly defeated Bob Paisley's legendary Liverpool side, that went on to win back-to-back European Cups in 1977 and 1978.

Coppell's career, unfortunately, ended prematurely after he suffered a severe knee injury, from which he never fully recovered. The Englishman arguably still had his best years ahead of him, being forced to retire only 28 years of age. However, his achievements with United in the 70s grant him a spot among the club's best No. 7s of all time.

#5 David Beckham

Beckham reuniting with Giggs at Gary Neville's testimonial match

The fact that David Beckham comes in at number five is already a clear indicator of just how brilliant United's No. 7s have been throughout history. The former England international was known as the best crosser and free-kick taker on the planet.

Besides his indisputable quality displayed on the pitch, Beckham was known to be somewhat of a diva in the football world, which was highlighted by him changing his haircuts as frequently as others change their underwear.

His extravagant life off the field and the rumours regarding his transfer to Real Madrid sparked one of the most controversial dressing room bust-ups to date. After Manchester United got eliminated from 2002-03 FA Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in Beckham's face, all but sealing his move to Madrid a few months later.

Beckham will forever be remembered for his set-piece magic, and most notably his two injury-time corners, that set up the goals in the famous 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Bayern Munich in 1999.

His ability to have the crowd on the edge of their seats every time he touched the ball was something truly unique and guarantees him a place as one of United's legendary No. 7s.

#4 Cristiano Ronaldo

You could hear a pin drop at Old Trafford when this man lined up a free-kick

Yes, Ronaldo is currently, alongside Messi, the best player on the planet. Yes, his footballing abilities may surpass those of the rest on this list. And yes, he is still only placed at number four on this list.

While Ronaldo's career is almost unparalleled, his achievements, exclusively, during his time at Old Trafford are what pin him back. Ronaldo is the most recent truly magnificent No. 7 to grace the turf at Old Trafford, however, his game only elevated from "outstanding" to "legendary" after his move to Real Madrid.

After a rough start to life in Manchester in 2003, the Portuguese international slowly began to show the world what he's truly capable of in the following years. Ironically, it seemingly took a ridiculous incident with Wayne Rooney at the 2006 World Cup to truly unlock his full potential.

In the following three years, United won the Premier League every season, while also defeating Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out to lift the 2008 UEFA Champions League trophy. In the same, Ronaldo also won his first Ballon d'Or, cementing his place as the best footballer in the world.

Following the 2008-09 season, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £80 million. The Portuguese sensation has since also become a club legend at the Spanish giants, despite being linked with a United return almost every transfer window.

Perhaps, Ronaldo's last chapter at Old Trafford isn't written yet.

#3 Bryan Robson

Bryan Robson sharing a laugh with Sir Alex Ferguson

Bryan Robson's career is best summarized by one of his nicknames: "Captain Marvel". One of the true legends of English sports, Robson captained United for a club record of 12 years and was also the leader of the English national team 65 times, ranking him third behind Billy Wright and Bobby Moore.

After seven years at West Bromwich Albion, Robson joined the Red Devils in 1981 for a then English record fee of £1.5 million. Instantly becoming a hit at his new club and using it as a platform to also kick-start his England career, Robson's constant injury troubles forced him onto the sidelines multiple times throughout his career.

However, Robson continuously battled through the injury setbacks and racked up an impressive 461 club appearances, whilst scoring 99 goals in all competitions. During his time at United, he won two league titles, along with three FA Cups and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

Robson's ability to lead his team from the middle of the park, along with his unbreakable determination and fantastic ball-winning skills make him one of the greatest captains and United No. 7s of all time.

#2 Eric Cantona

Cantona during his legendary outburst at Crystal Palace

If David Beckham is already classed as a polarizing figure, a whole different measurement needs to be introduced for Eric Cantona. The enfant terrible of English football even went as far as hitting a Crystal Palace fan in the head with a kung-fu kick.

After leaving the court following the subsequent assault charges, Cantona delivered one of the funniest and most bizarre statements in football history.

"When seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." - Cantona

Despite his off-field antics, Cantona was among the most magnificent footballers the Old Trafford audience had ever seen and he certainly knew it. Never lacking self-confidence, Le Roi, as the fans referred to him, had a certain attitude to his game that just made him feel special.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is probably the closest you can find to Cantona nowadays, but even he can't match the arrogance of the Frenchman, that the United faithful and the media loved so much about him.

Scoring 82 goals in 185 matches across all competitions, Cantona won four Premier League titles, while also adding two FA Cups to the United trophy cabinet in just 5 years. 'The King' is indisputably an Old Trafford legend and, unfortunately for the fans, a once-in-a-lifetime type of player.

#1 George Best

George Best - The best United player of all time?

"I think I've found you a genius." - United scout Bob Bishop in a telegram to Matt Busby

Rarely has a description been this accurate. George Best is arguably the most talented player to ever wear a United kit.

The winger scored 181 goals in 474 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils and was a key figure in United's European Cup victory in 1968. Along with Denis Law and Bobby Charlton he was part of the "United Trinity", the best attacking trio in the club's history.

Best's ability to get past players, as well as his blistering pace were attributes that earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1968 and apparently, even the legendary Pele referred to him as "the greatest footballer in the world".

Off the field, the Northern Irishman was well-known for his excentrical lifestyle and he is often referred to as the first playboy footballer. This reputation was confirmed to be true by Best himself in his most famous quote.

"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." - George Best

Best's career was unfortunately marred and eventually cut short by his excessive alcohol consumption, an addiction that eventually cost him his life in 2005.

However, among United fans, he will always be remembered as a true legend of the game and possibly the best No. 7 to ever play for the Red Devils.