Following the confirmation of Cristiano Ronaldo's re-signing with Manchester United, perhaps the two most talked about topics among United fans worldwide has been whether he will don the famous No 7 jersey again, and if he will make his much anticipated second debut against Newcastle United after the international break.
It looks like Ronaldo is well poised to feature against the Magpies at Old Trafford on September 11 as he is suspended for Portugal's World Cup Qualifier away to Azerbaijan Tuesday night, after getting booked by the referee during their qualifying clash at home against Republic of Ireland last night.
It was yet another game of records for Ronaldo against the Irish as the 36-year old made his 180th appearance for Portugal to match the European record for men's senior caps, previously held by Spain's Sergio Ramos.
Besides that, there was also the not-so-small-matter of the international goal-scoring record, a feat he recently shared with Iran's Ali Daei.
Wednesday night though, he made the record his very own as the Portuguese captain reached 111 goals after his brace, two more than Daei.
Ronaldo was booked for taking off his jersey after scoring the second goal, a 96th minute winner in the 2-1 victory, thus ruling him out of the Azerbaijan clash.
The suspension gives him a great chance to put his feet up and rest for the potentially blockbuster outing against Newcastle a few days later.
Iconic No 7 jersey
The United No 7 jersey, currently worn by Uruguayan Edinson Cavani as recently as the EPL clash away to Wolverhampton Wanderers Sunday, is the hot topic of discussion among the Red Devils.
Disappointingly for United fans, Premier League rules stipulate a player cannot change his jersey number before the end of the season.
And since Cavani wasn't sold in the transfer window either, the No 7 jersey currently belongs to him.
However, many are wondering whether United will apply for a special dispensation now that Daniel James has moved to Leeds United.
James previously worn the No 21 jersey, the same number Cavani wears for Uruguay.
The Uruguay No 21 jersey holds special meaning for Cavani, given that he has achieved so much with the La Celeste, so the vacated No 21 jersey at United might lure the El Matador after all.
In that case, Ronaldo would be free to don the No 7 jersey, previously worn by United boys George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham, among others.
It is still early days though as United would first have to apply to the EPL for an exception in this case, and then their request would have to be approved.
The next few days perhaps will shed more light on this issue as it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo really end up with the No 7 jersey, a beloved number he wears for Portugal and previously donned during his stints at Sporting Lisbon, United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
