Lingard wants No 7 shirt at Man Utd

Jesse Lingard wants to replace Alexis Sanchez as Manchester United’s No 7, according to Stadium Astro presenter Michelle Lee.

Sanchez has left United on loan for this season, joining Serie A giants Inter Milan, which means the No 7 shirt is now vacated.

And speaking over the weekend, Lee claims she has heard Lingard is keen on taking it.

“Apparently Jesse Lingard, I don’t know if you believe it, he has requested the No 7 shirt,” she said.

However, former Manchester United striker, Louis Saha is not convinced the 26-year-old is the right man for it yet.

“Hang on a minute,” Saha replied.

“I mean, no disrespect, Jesse’s a player from the academy and he’s been there a long time, he understands.

ALSO READ:  Sanchez reveals why he failed at Man United

“But as I mentioned it’s not just something that you just claim.

“It’s something that people give to you for some reason because you now have attached to your back something that represents the club, you represent the club, the history and all that.

“You can’t take that lightly, it’s not just about you thinking that you have the potential.

“I don’t think that he done it seriously.”

The No 7 has been worn by the likes of George Best, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo at United.

Saha says it gives an extra responsibility to a player to add more history to the jersey.

“When you know the history of that number, you know [there is] a responsibility,” he added.

“You can’t just think like your career gets you that shirt. Now you have to prove it.

ALSO READ:  PSG move a major step in my career ―Icardi

“Definitely those players who thought lightly about it got punished because you have to work really hard.

“George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham – all those players are immense players for the club.

“You have to realise it’s not just talent, you have to be committed, be a leader, be someone who inspires others.”