“He still young but what he has done for this team, no other players including me has done close to that level… I’m learning alot from him”: Matthijs de Ligt says there’s ONE particular teammates who’s still young but has done what no other players has done for the Club so far.
Alejandro Garnacho is rapidly emerging as one of Manchester United’s brightest prospects, consistently proving his worth with each match. His recent performances have sparked conversations about his potential to inherit the club’s legendary No.7 jersey. Garnacho’s standout display against Barnsley has only reinforced his growing significance within the squad, suggesting he may soon be ready for such an iconic role.
In the match against Barnsley, Garnacho was outstanding, scoring twice and providing two assists. Despite facing a lower-tier team, his display of confidence, skill, and precision showcased his increasing influence. This performance brought his season tally to seven goal involvements in just six games, underscoring his consistency. While the Argentine press has been quick to praise him, the coveted No.7 jersey, historically worn by club legends, remains out of his reach. At 20, Garnacho undoubtedly aspires to wear this revered shirt one day.
The saga of Manchester United’s No.7 shirt took an unexpected twist when Mason Mount, a £55 million summer signing from Chelsea, was given the number. Many questioned whether Mount was the right choice for the prestigious jersey, which has traditionally been reserved for players capable of handling the immense expectations it brings. At the time, Garnacho, though promising, was viewed as not yet ready for this monumental responsibility.
For Garnacho, watching another player don the shirt he likely dreams of must have been challenging. The No.7 jersey symbolizes greatness at Manchester United, having been worn by icons like George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mount wearing the number while Garnacho continued to prove himself must have only fueled his determination. Now, over a year later, Garnacho’s form sends a clear message: he is evolving into a player deserving of the shirt.
The weight of the No.7 jersey is immense. Over the past two decades, only a few, including Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, have lived up to its legacy. Other players, such as Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, and Angel Di Maria, struggled under its pressure. Even Antonio Valencia, who later became a reliable captain, had to relinquish the shirt after a short, underwhelming stint with it, highlighting how difficult it is to thrive while wearing such a storied number.
Mount’s tenure with the No.7 shirt will inevitably face scrutiny, particularly with Garnacho making a strong case for it. While many world-class players have struggled with its burden, Garnacho’s growing confidence suggests he might be the one to finally break the trend. His desire to wear the No.7 isn’t merely based on potential; he’s proving his worth through his performances on the pitch.
Garnacho’s ambition to don the No.7 stems not only from his talent but from his belief that he can rise to the challenge, much like Ronaldo, Cantona, and Beckham before him. Beyond technical skills, he has displayed a maturity beyond his years, recognizing that the No.7 jersey carries not just prestige but responsibility, leadership, and a relentless drive to win. His recent form shows that he is not waiting for the shirt to be handed to him—he is working to earn it.
Unlike some players in the past who were given the No.7 shirt prematurely, Garnacho is determined to prove himself first. His performances this season suggest he is ready for the challenge, and his commitment to earning the shirt reflects the attitude that has defined previous No.7 legends. If Garnacho maintains his form throughout the 2024/25 season, Manchester United could soon face an exciting decision about passing the iconic number to one of their most promising young stars.
As the season progresses, Garnacho’s journey toward becoming one of United’s key players will be closely watched. With each match, he moves closer to realizing his dream of wearing the No.7 shirt. If his current performances are any indication, the club may soon find itself with no choice but to bestow him the honor. Garnacho seems ready to embrace the weight of history and, in doing so, could become the next in a line of Manchester United legends.
