DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set to dodge Manchester United’s cursed No7 shirt.
The midfielder is expected to complete a £40million move from Ajax and is reportedly going to wear No34.
Manchester United are expected to announce the signing of Donny van de Beek as their new No34Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Borussia Dortmund’s No7 Jadon Sancho could wear the ‘cursed’ shirt if he moves to Old TraffordCredit: EPA
The unusual shirt choice is a touching tribute to tragic Ajax pal Abdelhak Nouri.
Nouri was wearing the 34 top when he collapsed with a cardiac arrest during a game in 2017.
He suffered severe brain damage but has woken from his coma and is now communicating with family.
Van de Beek’s favoured No6 is occupied by Paul Pogba at Old Trafford and many thought he would don the No7 vacated by Alexis Sanchez.
But he is now set to avoid wearing the number synonymous with Red Devils heroes including David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and George Best.
However, the No7 has become something of a curse since 2009.
Five men have worn the hallowed shirt in the last 11 years but with very limited success.
Michael Owen had the unenviable task of replacing Ronaldo as United’s No7 before Antonio Valencia spent one year with seven on his back in 2012-13 but had such a tough campaign he immediately requested a switch back to No25.
Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay both proved to be expensive one-season flops in the jersey.
And Alexis Sanchez was a huge disappointment after his move from Arsenal – costing United a staggering £29,000 per TOUCH.
But could Borussia Dortmund’s No7 Jadon Sancho be set to break the mould?
United will not give up on signing the £110m star until he publicly reveals he wants to stay at Dortmund.
The England star is the club’s No1 target and personal terms had been sorted but Dortmund have held firm as they bid to hang onto their prized asset.
The financial impact of Alexis Sanchez at Man Utd in full
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan looks at how Donny van de Beek might fit into the Man Utd team
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
