Manchester United No.7 shirt: Louis Saha not keen on Jesse Lingard taking shirt after Alexis Sanchez catastrophe
Louis Saha is not happy with the idea of Jesse Lingard taking the number seven shirt at Manchester United.
Saha, who spent four years at Old Trafford, lined up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and helped the Red Devils lift the Champions League in Moscow.
But the thought of Lingard wearing Ronaldo’s old number does not sit well with the Frenchman.
Alexis Sanchez vacated the No.7 shirt this summer after his disastrous 18-month spell with United was brought to an end by Inter Milan.
And amid rumours Lingard has asked to take over the iconic shirt number, Saha has expressed his concerns.
he said: “I mean, no disrespect, Jesse’s a player from the academy and he’s been there a long time, he understands.
“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.
"When you know the history of that number, you know [there is] a responsibility.
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“You can’t just think like your career gets you that shirt. Now you have to prove it.
“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.”
The England international has flattered to deceive since his strong showing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In fact, he has failed to score a goal or register an assist since December.