The chickendinner bet blog considers the race the Manchester Utd’s hallowed jersey

The number seven shirt is considered the most prestigious at Old Trafford, having been worn previously by the likes of George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Cristiano Ronaldo was supposed to be the next great player to achieve legend status wearing the number with which he has become obsessed, but it looks like he has craned his extraordinarily long neck in the direction of Madrid.

Paddy Power still make Ronaldo 5/4 favourite to be wearing the shirt next season, while the second favourite is for nobody to inherit the number for the coming campaign should the 42-goal Portuguese leave: say what you will about Ronny’s performance over the season just past, but he surely hasn’t done enough to have his number retired.

The best of the rest is Carlos Tevez, currently number 32, who is offered at 13/2. It’s fair to say he’s probably the best fit, possessing the skill of a Cantona or Ronaldo, while having the hunger and passion of a Robson or Beckham. Many, however, believe Nani to be the direct heir Ronaldo’s throne, and he sits at 12/1.

Rooney is 16/1, even though he switched from number eight to ten just twelve months ago, while the players currently not employed by the Glazer family who are in the running are Andrei Arshavin, Robinho, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder.

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