Alejandro Garnacho is rapidly establishing himself as a key figure for Manchester United. He has proven his worth on the pitch, making a strong case for potentially donning the club’s most prestigious shirt number. His impressive display against Barnsley clearly highlights his growing role at Manchester United.
In that match, Garnacho showcased his versatility by scoring twice and assisting twice, even against a lower-league opponent. This performance boosted his season total to seven goal contributions in just six matches, reinforcing his place on the team. The Argentine media has praised the young winger, but the iconic No. 7 shirt remains out of reach. At 20 years old, Garnacho surely aspires to claim that jersey.
When Mason Mount received the historic No. 7 shirt after joining Manchester United for £55 million, many questioned whether he was the right choice for such a celebrated number. Ultimately, it was decided that Garnacho was not yet ready for the responsibility that came with it.
Seeing someone else wear the jersey he dreamed of must have been a tough pill for Garnacho to swallow. Fast forward a little over a year, and it’s clear that his performances indicate he is maturing into a player capable of not just wearing the No. 7 shirt, but thriving in it.
Wearing the No. 7 jersey for Manchester United comes with immense pressure, as it is one of football’s most recognized numbers. Over the last two decades, many players have struggled to meet the expectations associated with it. Since Cristiano Ronaldo first wore it in 2003, only a few, like Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, have successfully lived up to its legacy.
Mount is now the seventh player in a long list—including Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia, and Michael Owen—who have failed to uphold the reputation of the No. 7. Despite Valencia establishing himself as a reliable captain, his time with the number was short-lived and unremarkable, highlighting the challenges of bearing such a significant number.
Conversely, Garnacho is full of ambition and confidence, believing he can be the next great player to wear the No. 7 for Manchester United, following legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. His early-season performances suggest he is not just hoping for the number but actively working to earn it.
Unlike others who have been handed the No. 7 without proving themselves, Garnacho is determined to earn it on merit. His confidence and self-belief equip him for success with such a prominent number. If he continues his form during the 2024/25 season, Manchester United may soon face a tough decision about whether to pass the iconic No. 7 shirt to him.
