Manchester United Are Holding The Iconic Number 7 Shirt For A Very Good Reason

The number seven is iconic in Manchester United's illustrious history.

David Beckham, Eric Cantona, George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bryan Robson have all worn the famous seven of Manchester United in years gone by.

But four games into the 2017/18 season, Jose Mourinho's side have yet to assign a number that has graced Old Trafford in years gone by - but why?

General view of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo back with the number 7

In recent years, the number seven shirt has overshadowed its owner.

Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay struggled to live up to its incredible stature - even Antonio Valencia, who has since become a key part of United's squad, failed to do the number justice.

So can Antoine Griezmann follow in the footsteps of George Best and Bryan Robson?

Well, according to The Daily Star, Manchester United will give the Atletico Madrid striker the famous number seven when he joins in the summer transfer window - 'if not before'.

Madrid's Antoine Griezmann in action during the Audi Cup 2017 soccer match between Atletico Madrid and SSC�Naples in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 1 August 2017....

Jose Mourinho's side will reportedly splash £100 million on the French international after Griezmann decided to see out the Atletico's transfer ban that expires in January.

United have been strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent months, and the report states that the player is 'very much on Mourinho's wishlist'.

Back in August, Griezmann's former agent Eric Olhats confirmed that the striker was set to join Manchester United this summer until Atletico Madrid's transfer ban was upheld.

France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between France and The Netherlands at the Stade de France...

In an interview via The Independent, Olhats said: ""Griezmann didn't feel able to leave Atletico. He's been integral to them and has shown his commitment to the club at a time when they couldn't sign players.

"Without the Fifa sanctions he would have gone."

Manchester United have already spent big on Romelu Lukaku's services this summer, but Mourinho's 'top target' would certainly strengthen the club's forward line as they look to pick up another Premier League title.

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku reacts during the Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Do you think Griezmann would do the number seven shirt justice?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

(H/T: The Daily Star)

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_