It is an illustrious lineage that dates back half a century. Manchester United's No 7 shirt has been worn by George Best and Bryan Robson, by Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is synonymous with stardom, a status symbol donned by superb figures. Now it belongs to a man who cost more than any of them.
Angel Di Maria is the most expensive footballer ever bought by a British club.
As if a £59.7 million (Dh365m) fee was not burden enough, he has been charged with emulating distinguished predecessors. Yet, this is a responsibility he requested.
“I wanted to wear this shirt,” he said as he was unveiled as a United player on Thursday.
“I was aware of the importance of the No 7 shirt. Cristiano Ronaldo had spoken to me at Real Madrid and told me how important it was.”
Nor, indeed, is his record price tag a cause for concern.
“It does not bother me, the fact that £60 million has been paid for me,” he said. “That is something the club chairmen have to discuss between them.”
It fell to manager Louis van Gaal to reduce the pressure, warning not to expect too much from a man who has only completed two training sessions with his new colleagues.
While Best and Ronaldo, in particular, were individual talents and the Portuguese star has a pronounced selfish streak, Van Gaal emphasized the newcomer’s lack of greed.
“He played 52 matches last season and gave 22 assists,” the Dutchman said. “How many players can say that? Twenty-two assists. Then you are also a very social being, and in the football world, that is not always the case.”
Di Maria’s work ethic is a reason for his arrival.
“He can also play in the interests of the team,” Van Gaal said.
Precisely where the team want Di Maria is a moot point. There is no natural station for him in United’s current 3-4-1-2 formation, with the hint being that he will be accommodated as one of the three central midfielders.
“He played in Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield, so that is also a reason why we are convinced he shall succeed,” Van Gaal said.
It is not a worry to Di Maria.
“I am prepared to play in any position he wants to,” Di Maria said.
Wherever he plays, the manager’s argument is that a quick, industrious and able addition belongs in his team.
“I only buy players that can improve our philosophy,” Van Gaal said. “I am very pleased we have such a class player. He can accelerate the game, but also play in the interests of the team. He is a very modest guy, but I am thinking he will indeed be a player the fans can enjoy.”
He was one who many at the Bernabeu savoured. Di Maria was named man of the match in May’s Uefa Champions League final, when Real beat Atletico Madrid 4-1. Now he has signed with a club who are not even in European football.
“I want to help the team win the Champions League or to get into the Champions League,” he said.
Even the latter will not be easy. United’s injury list now numbers 10 with Shinji Kagawa concussed and Ander Herrera out. Marcos Rojo is in Madrid, waiting to get a work permit. Meanwhile, a mass exodus is beginning.
“Maybe after this weekend, we shall have another group, because players shall go away and others shall come in,” Van Gaal said. Wilfried Zaha, loaned back to Crystal Palace, has already departed. Javier Hernandez, the subject of bids from Juventus and Valencia, could be the next to go.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
