The English Premier League has sparked confusion after they listed both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani as Manchester United’s No 7 for this season.
Ronaldo sealed a dramatic return to United on Friday August 27, having been heavily linked with a move to rivals Manchester City just hours before.
Since joining the club, there have been debate into which number he should wear for the upcoming season, with Edinson Cavani currently occupying the No 7 shirt.
In a bizarre turn of events, the Premier League have now assigned the number to both players.
Section M Players’ Identification and Strip, of the Premier League Handbook for the 2021/22 season, states that: ‘Before the commencement of each Season each Club shall allocate a different shirt number to each member of its first team squad.
‘While he remains with the Club a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the Season for which it was allocated.’
But with Cavani yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils this season, it’s yet unclear if he has handed the number over to the Portuguese star, despite reports suggesting players must retain the shirt number they’re registered under unless they leave the club or are granted ‘special dispensation’.
During his first spell at United, Ronaldo became an iconic No 7 for the club, joining the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. He has since worn the number for both Real Madrid and Juventus.
