Fans are convinced Alejandro Garnacho will follow in the footsteps of George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham after Manchester United appeared to drop a major hint over his next squad number.
Since the untimely departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November last year, the iconic number seven jersey has been vacant.
A number of candidates have emerged over the course of the campaign, including Antony and Jadon Sancho. But one name is suggested more often than others; Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine forward, who currently wears the number 49 jersey, has only made 10 starts for the Premier League side since his breakthrough, but he has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
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The 18-year-old certainly has enough self-confidence to flourish under the pressure. In fact, back in April, he hinted that he would take the number 7 shirt by 'liking' a post on Twitter that read: "Give Garnacho the 7 shirt.”
And now, fans think Manchester United have dropped a cheeky suggestion about Garnacho's next squad number.
As you can see from the screenshot below, United sent out a mobile push notification to their fan base alongside the caption: "If you're a true fan of Alejandro, then you'll score at least seven out of 10 [wink emoji]."
Some fans were positive about the prospect of Garnacho getting the number.
One said: "Genuinely the only one in the club I can see thriving with it," while another said: "Yes, the boy was born to wear it."
A third added: "Yes. Definitely. I don’t know any other player who deserves it more than him."
Others, however, are unconvinced, with mentions of added pressure and not being a regular starter in Erik ten Hag's first-team plans featuring in many people's reasoning.
One wrote: "Alejandro Garnacho shouldn’t get the #7 shirt next season. Am I alone here? He’s made 11 starts. Let’s give him another season before even considering it. He’s a star, no doubt. But handing him such a big # at the same time of an upgraded contract is a risk. Ask Adnan Januzaj."
Another commented: "Everyone wants him to wear no 7 but it's too soon. He is not even a regular starter in our team."
A third said: "Maybe eventually. Too young. Needs to play without the added pressure. Let him earn it and become a regular starter first."
A fourth added: "I’m sorry but I don’t like this. It’s too soon - I trust Garnacho can handle the added pressure but why take the risk? The shirt can sit vacant for a year."
Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay all struggled for goals in the shirt, as did Alexis Sanchez following his move from Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, has explained what Garnacho must do to become a first-team regular at United.
Back in May, after the Argentine scored against Wolves on his return from injury, Ten Hag said: "Making decisions, being aware, scanning situations, when to go one-on-one, get behind, when to go for goal or make an extra pass.
"Decisions like that are what makes a good player a top player – that is the difference.
"But when you see it overall, he’s a huge talent and very brave. It shows that the pathway is open for young players at United. And if you work in the right way, work hard, we can guide you to get into the team.
"But, in the end, it’s about the player – he has to invest and have a plan to do it."
Do you think Garnacho should be handed the vacant number seven?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo
Jack Kenmare