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