Manchester United Reveal Exciting Update Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's Return

Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the iconic No. 7 jersey at Manchester United, the club confirmed Friday.

Ronaldo became a superstar during his first stint at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009. He was nicknamed CR7 during his breakthrough with the Red Devils and since then, he has crafted an entire global brand around the nickname.

"The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell with the club and we can confirm that Cristiano will have it on his back once again. As we all know, the no.7 is a special shirt in the history of United. It has previously been worn by club icons like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Now, it returns to the man who succeeded Beckham in it, Ronaldo," said Manchester United in an official release.

Ronaldo has taken over the No. 7 squad number from Edinson Cavani, who wore it throughout the last season and even in a game of the ongoing 2021-22 campaign. Cavani will now don the No. 21 jersey, the same number the talented striker wears for the Uruguayan national team.

Just before the 2021 summer transfer window ended, Ronaldo shook the European market as he decided to return to his former home - Old Trafford. Manchester United paid an initial fee of around $18 million, plus $9 million in potential add-ons across five years. Ronaldo will be 41 by the time the deal would finally be paid off, according to sports media outlet talkSport.

Ronaldo's first spell at Old Trafford, which took place between 2003 and 2009, was a memorable one, where he made 292 appearances and scored 118 goals. He helped the Red Devils win a Champions League trophy and three consecutive Premier League titles.

While Ronaldo is yet to make his first appearance for Manchester United on return, he is expected to feature in their home game against Newcastle United following the underway international break.

It had been reported that Ronaldo has received an early release from international duties after he was booked with a yellow card Thursday. During Portugal's World Cup qualifier game against Ireland, Ronaldo netted a brace in his side's 2-1 victory. Since it was Ronaldo's second yellow card and as a result, he would miss Portugal's upcoming fixture against Azerbaijan.

As a result, the Portugal national team has decided to let Ronaldo leave for Manchester immediately so that he would get some extra time to train and prepare for the Newcastle match.