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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena/MCR Basketball)
Sport
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Danny Jones -
4th July 2023 
