He's Bringing Seven Back...

So Michael Owen has been handed number seven. Ok, that's a surprise. I love Michael Owen. We all know I've been a huge supporter of his and I will continue to be so long as he doesn't let me down. But number seven? Wow…Sir Alex is either expecting greatness from him, or we're all placing too much importance on the jersey. I'm thinking it's probably both. I have faith Michael Owen is going to deliver AND I think we're placing too much importance on the number.
George Best wore number seven. We all know the saying, "Maradona good, Pele` better, George Best." 'Nuff said.
Eric Cantona wore the jersey. King Eric won back to back titles, player of the year, and who could ever forget that notorious kick?
David Beckham was number seven for a long time. Part of Manchester United's Treble, European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year. One of the most famous number seven's for Manchester United thanks to great publicity and fantastic management. If he retires from the game, he'll have modeling and cologne to fall back on.
Most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo wore the jersey. He had a record setting season in 07/08 with 42 goals. That's now ingrained in Old Trafford's history as legendary.
In between George Best and Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson wore the jersey. "Captain Marvel" was the longest reigning captain in Old Trafford's history. He's back at the club today as an ambassador. I can't help but think he must have had some sort of say in giving his blessing for Michael Owen to take the threads this time around. Would Sir Alex Ferguson has consulted Bryan Robson regarding the number? Some of us thought perhaps there would be a switch off similar to what Beckham did when Teddy Sheringham took the number ten and he took number seven. We were thinking that perhaps Rooney would give his number ten jersey to a new, incoming player and then be handed number seven.
What if we're all just making too big of a deal out of the jersey? Maybe we shouldn't be putting so much stock into the number or the shirt and just consider the man inside the clothes. What's important is how they play the game when they wear the colors no matter what number they are. Their behavior off the pitch is important, too. Representing the club with dignity and class will go a long way. Other number sevens have had trouble off the pitch with that. Think of what killed Best, his alcoholism. Cantona's temper wasn't even off the pitch when he kicked the fan and caused a commotion. Michael Owen is a solid family man and he has style. He'll be able to make Manchester United look good off the field and when he's on it, I firmly believe there are better days ahead for him.
I've said it before and I'm saying it again, I'm not writing this man off. He has had injuries but they all have. Some of his unfortunately, have come close together.
Maybe by giving Michael Owen number seven, Sir Alex is making a promise to the fans that he also knows this player has better days ahead. SAF has that ability to spot and cultivate talent, why shouldn't we believe he can do it in a man beyond his twenties?
Let's get over our initial shock at Owen's being handed the shirt and stop looking back at who's had it before him. Why don't we try looking ahead to what he can do for our team? Have faith in Sir Alex's decisions and give Michael Owen our support. He's part of our team now, he is Manchester United.

This post appears in one of the blogs for which I am paid to write.