Finally, something worth reading from Goal.com

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/07/04/3219347/from-best-to-ronaldo-the-iconic-manchester-united-no7s?source=breakingnews

Brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad UTD have choose to give Valencia the No 7 shirt............. He does deserve it.. you never hear him Moaning when he`s not playing, and last season he was Exceptional ...

In my opinion Valencia's earned his no. 7 shirt. He displays the utd work rate, box to box running, helped fill in @ RB during the season, always looks dangerous on the counter and has played in some excellent balls throughout the season.

One of the things that may not be so evident, is his influence over Raphael. He's been a good role model down that side of the pitch, he's demonstrated what it takes; hard work, energy, commitment and teamwork. An excellent professional and a fine footballer.

Congrats Antonio, let's hope you and Raph get an injury free season...looking to see you both perform in the CL this season coming!

StewPot:

There's a few things

1. Valencia requested it.. They were hardly going to say "no your not good enough"

2. Nani has always been compared to Ronaldo... getting his old number wouldnt help.

3. He got player of the season for us and is one of the most consistent players in the league.

4. Beckham wasn't amazing with his left foot..

Before i go on i love valencia... i didn't say valencia has got to be amazing with his left foot..but hes got to learn to cross with it, cuz when he cuts in he will get more predictable...whenever he cuts in which he rarely does he does a outside right foot cross....and beckham was great, efficient and accurate with his left foot but becks is a bit of an extreme comparison he could hit a ten-pence with both feet.....but i just think its unfair on Nani not to even be considered for the seven especially since we're trying to get him to sign a new contract and he has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years and don't forget he was our player of the season the year before!!...but if Nani doesn't want it then definitly valenci***

andres182:

yes!!! AV7 :)

aston villa 7?

There's a few things

1. Valencia requested it.. They were hardly going to say "no your not good enough"

2. Nani has always been compared to Ronaldo... getting his old number wouldnt help.

3. He got player of the season for us and is one of the most consistent players in the league.

4. Beckham wasn't amazing with his left foot..

no....nani shoulod be offered it first no question...if he doesn't want it then valencia should be the next to be offered.. i'm sorry if people disagree but nani has worked hard the last 3 years really hard and hes become better....I love valencia and he's a beast but its unfair on nani...ohh and i think the number 7 shirt should be given to somone who at least sometimes does something with his left foot

Interesting choice, I like it

It's not just a number to me unlike some, its number 7. It's a legendary number in this club because of all the greats who have worn it before. Valencia is a great player and have a great personality. He deserves it.

Maybe he didnt want too much pressure on himself maybe he wants to make his name in history wearing his own number that hasnt got a history know what i mean.I have to say i like Kagawa's attitude with that sort of attitude he will do so so well here.

Shinji, I am proud of you as Japanese! Learned from you the real professionalism to be by accepting relatively minor number as newcomer to Manchester United. I read the article that you were asked in the contract negotiation if you like #7,#8 or #23 , but you humbly said you would accept #26 which is the first# you had when you started the career in Japan with your strong will to start playing the real soccer in Mother land of soccer. You are somewhat maybe too modest by saying you are new and have not achieved any results yet in Premier League. However, you clearly showed me your confidence and pride to get the number you really want by the season end by your own play! Well done for your guts as the professional. Numer is just number. More important is to make #26 as glory start# of possible legnd player Shinji Kagawa in Red devils. Get #7 some day by your own feet! Good luck!

marcmcg:

IamConnor17:

In my opinion he really doesn't deserve it but oh well, lets hope he can continue his good form into next season...

how does he not deserve it? he has NOT had a bad game since he joined us and gets better every time. i dare you to find an answer to this.

He obviously has had bad games dont be silly, He has had great game but I cant remember many games where he has been world-class, does he deserve a starting XI place, yes. I just always valued the number 7 to go to someone of worldwide attraction and someone incredibly talented Cantona, Beckham, Ronaldo, Best etc... But with him giving it to Owen a few years ago aswell shows that it is losing a bit of value to it now really.

Bumbing up this post.

Opinions new numbers?

If you haven't seen them... Powell - 26 ... Kagawa - 25 ... Valencia - 7 ...

If u ask me im proud that Valencia has finally been given the number 7 as he has done more than enough to merit this iconic number!! He is the heart and sole of our team and fair play because he does everything thats expected of a proffesional and you never once hear him complain, hopefully this will give him more confidence and make him even stronger, not that he isnt already, love him to bits!!! AV7!!

Gutted. I always thought Antonio has made a legacy for no.25.