BREAKING NEWS: Live from Old Trafford, a Manchester United star has hailed a teammate as the team’s backbone. Matthijs de Ligt stated, “He’s still young, but his achievements for this team are remarkable—no one, including myself, has reached that level.” De Ligt expressed admiration for this emerging talent, who is impressing everyone with his mature performances at such a young age. It’s uncommon to see such influence so early in a career, but this player is establishing new benchmarks, earning the recognition of even the most experienced members of the squad.

Alejandro Garnacho is rapidly becoming a key figure at Manchester United, proving his worth on the field and making a strong case for wearing the club’s iconic No. 7 shirt. His standout performance against Barnsley highlighted his growing importance, further cementing his place in the team. During the match, Garnacho showcased his versatility by scoring twice and assisting twice, raising his season total to seven goal contributions in six games.

Despite Barnsley being a lower-league side, Garnacho’s performance demonstrated his development and earned him praise, especially from the Argentine press. At 20 years old, he harbors ambitions of donning the famous No. 7 jersey, although it remains out of reach for now.

The decision to assign the No. 7 shirt to Mason Mount after his £55 million transfer raised some eyebrows. There were doubts about whether Mount was the right player to inherit such a prestigious number. Many felt that Garnacho wasn’t yet ready for the responsibility that comes with wearing the No. 7 shirt. However, over a year later, Garnacho’s displays suggest he is evolving into a player worthy of carrying the weight of that number.

The No. 7 shirt is historically significant at Manchester United, with a legacy built by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. Over the past two decades, only a few players, including Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, have successfully lived up to the shirt’s expectations.

Others, like Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia, and Michael Owen, struggled under its pressure. Even Valencia, who later became a dependable club captain, found it difficult during his short spell with the No. 7 jersey.

Unlike previous players who were handed the No. 7 without proving themselves, Garnacho is determined to earn it. His early-season form and unwavering confidence suggest he is not just waiting for the opportunity, but actively working to deserve it. With his ambition and self-belief, Garnacho may soon prompt Manchester United to reconsider their decision, potentially passing the iconic No. 7 shirt to him if he continues his impressive form into the 2024/25 season.