PREMIER - Edinson Cavani avoids making same mistake as Phil Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed back his No.7 shirt at Manchester United this season after making his sensational return to Old Trafford — and he has new team-mate Edinson Cavani to thank.

The Portuguese star wore the iconic shirt number during his six-year stint with the club before joining Real Madrid in a then-world record £80million transfer in 2009. But after sealing a stunning return to Manchester on transfer deadline day, the 36-year-old faced the disappointment of lining up in another number.

That was because as of last season, Uruguayan striker Cavani had followed in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and David Beckham by taking the iconic jersey when signing in 2020 on a free transfer.

It was not as simple as switching the players around because the deadline to submit numbers for the 2021-22 season had already passed. But fortunately for United, there was an opening after all. The club agreed a deal to sell Daniel James to Leeds United for £25m, meaning the Welshman’s No.21 jersey was vacant.

Coincidentally, it happens that Cavani wears that number when representing his country and the 34-year-old, recognising the seriousness and tradition at United, kindly agreed to step aside.