CR7? Cristiano Ronaldo ‘can’t take No.7 shirt’ at Manchester United due to Premier League rules, unless Edinson Cavani leaves or club seek ‘special dispensation’
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly going to face a battle if he’s to reclaim his iconic No.7 shirt at Manchester United.
Michael Benson: 28th August 2021, 11:25 am
The Portuguese footballing icon has decided to return home to the club at which he first became a global superstar, with the deal officially confirmed on Friday.
When fans started to ponder the question of his shirt number, the immediate reaction was to assume he’d reclaim his famous old No.7.
However, it appears this may not be so simple.
It’s now being widely reported that Premier League rules state players must retain the shirt numbers they are registered under, unless they either depart or are granted ‘special dispensation’.
ESPN reporter Dale Johnson pointed this out and added that such special dispensation has never been granted previously.
Sky reporter Dharmesh Sheth explained: “Section M of the Premier League rulebook says that, while he remains with the club, a player will retain his shirt number throughout the season for which it was allocated.
“That means that [Ronaldo could not get No.7] unless Edinson Cavani leaves United or United apply for special dispensation from the Premier League board, which is highly unlikely.
“United would need to come up with a really good reason why Cristiano Ronaldo should have that No.7 shirt.
“As it stands, you’d have to say that unless Edinson Cavani leaves Man United in the coming days, which we’re not expecting to happen, then Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be wearing the No.7 after returning.”
The other two numbers Ronaldo has worn during his career were numbers 9 and 28.
Currently those are occupied by Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri. The latter has been sent out to Alaves on loan for the season, so there is a possibility of him taking that number.
It was the one he wore when he was at Sporting CP.
The other numbers that are available to him are: 12, 15, 24, 30, 31, 33, 35.
#CristianoRonaldo #EdinsonCavani #ManchesterUnited #PremiereLeague
Source: https://talksport.com/football/934045/cristiano-ronaldo-no7-number-seven-shirt-manchester-united/
