Alejandro Garnacho has already made himself a firm favourite among Reds over the past year or so and is undoubtedly one of the club’s most treasured young talents — so much so that many Reds believe he’s first in line for a coveted new shirt number.
The Argentine winger wore the 75 on his Man United debut in April 2022 but has been wearing the 49 shirt ever since, and while numbers do very little to define a player’s position or quality these days, it’s still a big part of football culture that feels special and significant to many fans and players alike.
Undoubtedly, the most iconic shirt in the club’s history is the hallowed number seven, which has belonged to the greatest players to ever grace the game, let alone the pitch at Old Trafford: Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and, most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo for a second time.
With that being said, the seven shirt isn’t just given to anyone and following a brilliant season marked with some big goals, assists and performances from the youngster, some supporters now feel he is not only primed to take up the responsibility but has even dropped a hint that his name’s already on it.
There’s a lot to take in here but you’re supposed to be looking at the number.
Sharing this admittedly bizarre image from his 19th birthday that poses more questions than it answers to his Instagram story, not only does Garnacho appear to have hired two dwarves dressed as Messi and Ronaldo to present him with his birthday cake, but it also has the number seven on it.
While many have understandably been scratching their heads as to why this is why the teenager chose to celebrate his birthday — with many labelling it “tacky”, “strange”, “bizarre”, and even labelling him a “wrong’un” — others are simply obsessing over the choice of seven, specifically.
Now, while this could mean very little (it is, after all, the same number he uses on all his socials), he would clearly jump at the chance to take the number, having celebrated his as many million followers on Instagram with a very suggestive post.
Moreover, other eagle-eyed fans have also spotted that his current shirt number is no longer available to buy on United’s online store purchasing the new home kit — but, again, this could be ahead of him being upgraded to another vacant number after becoming a more regular first-team player.
Garnacho’s current kit number is unavailable to buy. This looks like he’s getting the 7 👀 pic.twitter.com/wk7R9KLdLO
For a long time, some supporters felt the seven shirt had been ‘cursed’ ever since Ronaldo left for the first time back in 2009 (I mean, it didn’t go entirely smoothly when he took it back either), but many now believe they that Garnacho is not only hinting it might by his new number but that he’s ready for it.
Prior to CR7’s return, it was widely assumed that Jadon Sancho would be next to take up the shirt having worn the same number for Borussia Dortmund, but the promising Englishman was made to wait and is still yet to find any real rhythm at United.
One thing is for sure, whoever does earn the shirt will have to rise to the occasion as history tells us you either have to have the personality and confidence to take on the challenge or they can quite quickly sink under the weight of it.
Whether Erik ten Hag thinks Alejandro Garnacho’s ambition and performances thus far warrant him becoming United’s new number seven remains to be seen.
Featured Image — Alejandro Garnacho (via Instagram)
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
4th July 2023 
