“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 a key figure for Manchester United, proving his worth on the pitch and making a strong case for wearing the club’s most storied jersey number. After his standout performance against Barnsley, it’s clear that Garnacho is stepping into a leading role at Manchester United.

In the Barnsley match, Garnacho delivered two goals and provided two assists, showcasing his all-around ability, even if it was against a lower-tier opponent. This took his season tally to seven goal contributions in just six games, further solidifying his place in the team. While the Argentine press is buzzing with praise for the young winger, the coveted No.7 shirt still remains out of his reach — something Garnacho, now 20, is undoubtedly yearning for.

When Mason Mount joined Manchester United for £55 million, he was given the iconic No.7 shirt, a decision that raised some eyebrows. At the time, there were questions about whether Mount was the right fit for such a prestigious number, but ultimately it was believed that Garnacho was not quite ready to take on that responsibility.

For Garnacho, watching someone else wear the jersey he dreamt of must have been a bitter pill to swallow. However, fast forward a little over a year, and Garnacho’s performances on the pitch suggest he is growing into the player who could not only handle but excel in the No.7 shirt.

Wearing Manchester United’s No.7 jersey comes with immense pressure, as it’s arguably one of the most iconic numbers in football. Over the past two decades, many players have struggled to live up to the expectations that come with it. Since Cristiano Ronaldo first donned the No.7 in 2003, only a few players, such as Ronaldo himself and Edinson Cavani, have truly been able to justify wearing it.

Mount now follows a long list of players like Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia, and Michael Owen, who, for various reasons, couldn’t quite live up to the legacy of the No.7. While Valencia later became a solid club captain, his tenure with the No.7 was short-lived and unsuccessful. This highlights how difficult it is to carry the weight of such a historic number.

But Garnacho, full of ambition and confidence, believes he can be the next great player to wear the No.7 for Manchester United, following in the footsteps of legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. The way he’s performed at the start of this season indicates that he’s not just hoping for the number to be handed to him — he’s earning it.

Unlike some players who have been given the No.7 without proving themselves on the field, Garnacho is determined to work for it. His confidence and self-belief align with the qualities needed to succeed with such a prestigious number. Should his form continue throughout the 2024/25 season, Manchester United may soon face a tough decision about whether it’s time to pass the legendary No.7 shirt to Garnacho.