Update 31/08/2021 - 6:30 PM (GMT+1): Manchester United are "hopeful" Cristiano Ronaldo will wear No. 7. If approved by the Premier League, Edinson Cavani will be taking the No. 21. The No. 21 is free since this evening as Dan James joined Leeds United.
United are already in the process of seeking special dispensation to allocate Ronaldo the number seven while Cavani is still contracted to the club. If Cavani stays, he is expected to receive the number 21, which is vacant as Daniel James joined Leeds United permanently. Cavani wears 21 for Uruguay.
The No. 21 is free since this evening
Usually, Premier League does not allow players (Cavani) to switch numbers during a season.
Update: The official Premier League website lists Cristiano Ronaldo as No. 7. However, the league also has Cavani as No. 7, so the confusion is perfect. Premier League have never allowed a player to change shirt numbers during a season.
Cristiano Ronaldo Usually Unable to Get Manchester United No. 7 if Cavani Won't Leave
Manchester United today announced that the club has reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo. The club did not yet announce which number will Cristiano Ronaldo get. What are the options for CR7?
Illustration by @EmilioSansolini
Possible Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 2021-22 Kit Numbers
Cavani would need to leave for CR7 to get the No. 7 as per EPL rules.
The most logical option for CR7 would be of course the No. 7. The No. 7 is currently occupied by Cavani and that is a big obstacle.
a player (Cavani) can not switch numbers during a season in the Premier League
As of Premier League official rules, a player can not switch numbers during a season (Premier League 2021-22 Handbook,.Player Identification, M.6.).
Premier League - Player Identification - Cavani Not Allowed To Change Number Throughout Season
M.6. While he remains with the Club a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the Season for which it was allocated
According to transfer expert @FabrizioRomano, "Edinson Cavani is absolutely not considering to leave Manchester United this summer after Cristiano Ronaldo signing. Club also 100% convinced to keep him."
The No. 28 seems most likely
However, there is a second option that would make sense. The No. 28.
The No. 28 was Cristiano's first number at Sporting - it seems to be free with Facundo Pellistri out on loan at Alaves. In fact, Messi chose the No. 30, his first FC Barcelona number.
We are, however, not sure if Premier League allows Man Utd to give the No. 28 of Pellistri to another player in the 21-22 season. In the official Man Utd 21-22 squad on the EPL website, he is there with the No. 28.
Other free numbers include 12, 15, 24, 30, 31, 33, 35.
Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the No. 28 in 21-22? Comment below.