Anger at Jadon Sancho request refers to a possible scenario if Cristiano Ronaldo goes.
Anger at Jadon Sancho request refers to a possible scenario if Cristiano Ronaldo goes. Any player who has ever wished to play for Manchester United as a child has probably also wished to wear the iconic number seven shirt.
It is a squad number that has been worn by some of the best players the club has ever seen, from George Best to David Beckham. Because of this, when Jadon Sancho found out he’d be playing for the Red Devils, he made it plain he wanted the number seven shirt.
Unfortunately for the England international, the number was already taken by the experienced striker and Uruguay star Edinson Cavani when he arrived at Old Trafford. United officials attempted to find a method to present the legendary shirt to Sancho during negotiations with Borussia Dortmund to lure him to the club.
During his tenure in Germany, Sancho donned the number and frequently signed off his social media messages with the hashtag ‘JS7.’ Sancho’s passion for the number quickly became part of his brand, and it was clear to all parties involved in the purchase that he intended to continue that affinity with seven at United.
However, between the time United made the promise to Sancho in 2020 and actually bought him a year later, they had also extended Cavani’s contract for another year, resulting in an awkward chat between the former PSG striker and the Red Devils administration.
According to The Athletic, Cavani was ‘put off by the desire to hand over his shirt number to the new summer recruit. The striker was not about to trade his number seven for a guy 13 years his junior.
Cavani eventually handed over his shirt number – to Cristiano Ronaldo – in a move that is sure to enrage Sancho. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to Old Trafford 12 years after leaving and was promptly handed the number seven shirt by a gracious Cavani.
“Edinson has been outstanding,” then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said at the time.
“Cristiano spoke with Edinson, and they conversed. And passing on his shirt demonstrates his respect for Cristiano, but Cristiano responding to Edinson demonstrates respect in the opposite direction. Two outstanding professionals and players.”
Ronaldo’s next chapter appears to be away from Manchester, and he could try to force an exit as soon as the forthcoming January transfer window.
If things go as planned, Sancho’s name may be hanging above the number seven before long. The wide-man may believe United owes him something because it was promised during the first round of talks.
That being said, given the rarity of high-profile first-team players changing numbers mid-season, the most likely time frame is immediately before next season.
