An integral part of footballing history is jersey numbers. Arsenal and Chelsea became the first clubs to allow their players wear numbered jerseys in 1928. Since then numbers have become a common phenomenon and some have acquired unique significance. A typical example is the mystical number "7" jersey of English powerhouse, Manchester United. The iconic number 7 shirt clearly depicts the style, elegance and class associated with the Red's history and rightly so, many legends have made that shirt their own.
The first pioneers who brought "some level" of prominence to this jersey were Jimmy Delaney and Johnny Berry who both played under Sir Matt Busby. Delaney, quickly became a fan favourite with some dazzling displays on the wings which helped the club to win the FA cup in 1948; the club's first trophy since 1911. Johnny Berry was the next man to occupy the famous jersey and he did so for eight seasons. The English international who was part of the famous ‘Busby Babes’ that won the league title three times before the Munich disaster. The Munich air disaster, as we all know, decimated Sir Matt Busby squad, killing eight players and maiming several others. Berry was lucky enough to escape death but the injuries he suffered ended his career abruptly. He was considered one of the best players of his generation before the crash.
But it was until 1963 that the number "7" shirt gained worldwide prominence due to the exploits of a certain young man from Belfast. This man also known as the ‘Fifth Beatle’ was George Best. Since then, the likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have occupied the jersey produced legendary displays. However after Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, the search for the next great number 7 is still on.
This is so because the bearers of the shirt after the Portuguese have been disappointing. The club and managers have to shoulder some blame for this occurrences. I say this because the desperation of the club to find a new superstar has become very obvious. As a result, the number 7 shirt has been given out hastily to players with the hope that they might just live up to expectation. Michael Owen and Angel Di Maria are prime examples of this fact. They were both given the jersey in their first season at the club without having to "prove" themselves worthy of it.
Owen, sure, brought a lot of experience to United, did some good things but he was not a number 7. It was obvious the English international was past his best when he joined United. On the other hand, Di Maria, from the on-set looked a perfect fit for the shirt. The acceleration and creativity he possessed reminded fans of George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, his performances in his first four games justified his price tag and abilities. But what we forgot so easily was that he needed to adjust to the physicality of the English league. In the end, he was shipped off to PSG after a disappointing season.
Valencia became a typical victim of the legendary implications and pressure associated with the number 7 jersey. He was the player of the year in the season before he took the 7 jersey and now he is just a backup at right back. That's how far he fell after putting on the iconic jersey.
The mantle has fallen on Memphis Depay now but the question I and many United faithfuls ask is can Depay rescue the dwindling fortunes of the iconic jersey? Depay seems to have the swagger and style of the number 7s of old but can he complete it with his performance on the field? He may have the potential to be world-class but can he handle the added pressure of taking the number 7? Can he adjust to the league and life in England as a whole better than Di Maria and churn out brilliant performances?
Only time will tell.
Has Memphis Depay impressed you enough?
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