Alejandro Garnacho wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo by wearing the No.7 shirt at Manchester United next season.
Garnacho committed his long-term future to United by signing a new contract with the club on Friday. The 18-year-old winger is now under contract until June 2028 – and it appears he has big plans for the coming campaign.
He has already won over fans through some eye-catching displays across his 31 appearances. And it appears he believes he’s ready to don the iconic shirt which has been worn by Ronaldo, David Beckham and George Best.
After penning his new deal, Garnacho took to Twitter to see the reaction of United fans. He has liked a tweet from @UTDKenny_ which reads simply: “Give Garnacho the 7 shirt”.
The No.7 shirt is currently vacant following Ronaldo’s departure from the club back in December after his contract was terminated early by mutual agreement. It was previously worn by Edison Cavani, Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria and Antonio Valencia.
Garnacho currently wears the No49 at United after graduating from the club’s academy to reach the first team. He has four goals and five assists in 29 appearances this season, but is currently working his way back in training after six weeks out injured.
Upon signing a new deal, he said: “When I joined this incredible club, I dreamt of achieving my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal and winning trophies with this badge on my chest.
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“I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way. We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions.
“The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful. I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”
Garnacho was signed from Atletico Madrid in September 2020, with United fending off interest from Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. He has made no secret of his admiration for Ronaldo, who he idolised as a youngster.
The Argentina international has previously performed his trademark “Siuuuu” goal celebration and treasures the match ball Ronaldo gifted him after scoring a hat-trick vs Norwich in April 2022.
United value Garnacho highly and have blocked him from playing in this summer's Under-20 World Cup in his native Argentina in an effort to protect him.