Premier League Rules on Shirt Numbers as Cristiano Ronaldo Eyes Man United's Iconic No.7
- It is yet to be made public the shirt number Cristiano Ronaldo will don after his return to Man United
- The Portuguese has maintained the iconic No.7 shirt from his first spell at Old Trafford, at Real Madrid, Juventus and even at the international stage
- However, Edinson Cavani, whose deal was extended at United is the current wearer of the jersey
- While the Uruguayan is said to have agreed to relinquish the shirt for Ronaldo, Premier League rules could prove to be a stumbling block
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Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning return to Man United has handed the club a fresh headache on the shirt number the legend will wear.
Source: Getty Images
United caught everyone in the football world flatfooted after announcing the return of Ronaldo back at Old Trafford after hijacking the forward's much-anticipated move to Man City.
According to reports in the UK, his arrival has seen discussion quickly turn to what shirt Ronaldo will sport, with his customary No.7 currently occupied by Edinson Cavani.
It is believed Cavani has already agreed to give up the iconic jersey to his new teammate, with Rio Ferdinand revealing the Uruguayan is ready to leave the shirt for Ronaldo.
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However, tough Premier League rules on shirt numbers may prove to be a major stumbling block, a scenario that could see Ronaldo settle for a different shirt.
"Before the commencement of each season each club shall allocate a different shirt number to each member of its first-team squad. A club shall likewise allocate a shirt number to any player joining its first-team squad during the season," Section M of the rule book states.
Metro UK claims United's biggest headache is that they have already submitted their shirt number list to the Premier League and rules state that that cannot be reversed except for special circumstances.
"While he remains with the club, a player will retain his shirt number throughout the season for which it is allocated. Upon a player leaving a club the shirt number allocated to him may be re-allocated," the rule book adds.
As such, unless Cavani leaves Old Trafford before the window shuts, he cannot simply donate the shirt to Ronaldo and will have to continue donning it until the end of the season.
However, it is still possible United could push and request for a special dispensation from the Premier League board to allow reallocation of the No.7 jersey.
Should the Premier League decline the request, Rinaldo's only hope of wearing the famous shirt this season will be during European matches as there are no restrictions in the competition.
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on why Pep Guardiola's was eager land Cristiano Ronaldo at the Etihad .
After Harry Kane move to the Etihad fell through, the Citizens are now in the market for a natural centre-forward before the transfer window closes.
The Premier League champions suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat on opening day to Tottenham but bounced back Norwich City by 5-0 in the first league home game of the season.
Source: YEN.com.gh
