Rashford pays tribute to Ronaldo after Man Utd exit
Edinson Cavani is set to start for Uruguay against Portugal tonight. And that means he's set to battle with Cristiano Ronaldo, his former Manchester United team-mate. The current Valencia striker snubbed Jadon Sancho's request to wear No 7 last season - but did make an exception for the 37-year-old following his Hollywood homecoming from Juventus.
The No 7 is a significant one at Manchester United.
It's been worn by many club legends over the years, ranging from George Best to Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson to David Beckham.
And Ronaldo certainly did it justice during his first stint at Old Trafford, where he propelled the club to three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League crown in 2008.
Last summer, the Portugal international sealed a Hollywood homecoming to Old Trafford - having previously looked set to join Manchester City.
And United also recruited Jadon Sancho earlier that transfer window, too, finally landing the England international at the fourth time of asking.
Edinson Cavani is set to start for Uruguay against Portugal at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
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Sancho, upon arriving, thought he'd be getting the No 7 jersey - having been promised it 12 months previously.
Yet Cavani refused to give it up, believing he shouldn't have to sacrifice it for a player still in the early stages of their development.
That meant Sancho had no choice but to take a different jersey instead and he settled on No 25 (2+5=7).
But when it came to Ronaldo, Cavani was so respectful of his fellow veteran that he allowed him to inherit the shirt he'd worn during his first period with the club.
Speaking shortly after his return, Ronaldo thanked the Uruguay international by saying: "I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi for this incredible gesture."
Edinson Cavani let Cristiano Ronaldo wear the No 7 jersey at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, Ronaldo recently joined Cavani out of the Old Trafford exit door.
The 37-year-old left under a cloud after launching an astonishing attack on the club, ripping into the Glazers, Erik ten Hag and even the facilities at the club.
And Gary Neville thinks the Red Devils have to take action to replace him in January, amid links to the likes of Cody Gakpo and Christian Pulisic.
“In January, Manchester United have got to try and use that money [Ronaldo’s wages] that I think they will have saved," he said.
"Which it looks like they’ve come to a commercial deal – and they’ve saved a lot of money.
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“So, hopefully that money can go into something short-term that will get them to end of the season.
"Or if they can get a longer-term position on someone that is available, which isn’t always easy in January, then ‘yeah’ go for that – that will be the preference.
“But they spent over £250m last summer – I don’t think the money is there.
"So I think they’re looking at that short-term fix really at this moment in time.”
