Seventh Heaven - Who's next? By Mayur R Joshi, @MediJoshi

Seven is my lucky number and it's been a lucky number for many at United. I am, of course, talking about the number 7 shirt. It has ben worn by many of our greatest players and in my mind should be worn by one of our more flamboyant and influential players. I was very disappointed when Michael Owen was given the number. For all the qualities he brings, he was never going to be first choice at United and he was given our most coveted number (in my mind).

Even when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at the club and was given the shirt, I will fully admit that I was sceptical. Ronaldinho was supposed to joint he club and don the famous shirt but it was given to a goofy looking, skinny kid with no pedigree. We all know that he went on to become the most devastating player in the premiership and helped United win a third European Cup (or Champions League). I was one of many that hoped Owen would go on to prove me wrong and I even had fleeting thoughts that he would score more goals than Tevez at City. I was clearly wrong. Maybe it's time to give the number 7 shirt to someone else. Here, I take a look at some of my favourite number 7s and try and identify a possible worthy successor.

Bryan Robson

'Captain Marvel' embodied everything that has become synonymous with United teams under Ferguson. He was at United when Fergie arrived but it always looked like a match made in heaven. Robson was dynamic, hard working, determined and, most importantly, a winner. He was influential in the middle of the park and was equally adept at winning the ball as he was at arriving in the box to score important goals.

Unfortunately, as has been well documented, United are looking deficient in central midfield. There is no single player at United, and probably in world football, who plays a classic box to box game in the mould of Robson. In the current squad I would be looking to Anderson to re-produce the goals and he has the energy and strength to be a ball winner. Does he have the character to be our next iconic number 7? Probably not.

Eric Cantona

Vision, class, creativity, influence, strength, determination and a winner, 'Le King' was the catalyst for Ferguson's first title and United's first for 28 years. He brought that little something different, that extra fantasy that we had been missing to take United from nearly men to champions.

At United I've always thought of Wayne Rooney as a little bit of Eric crossed with Mar Hughes. He has the Aggression, strength, power and determination of Sparky coupled with the vision, creativity and fantasy that Cantona had. He would certainly be a worthy number 7 but he's already got the famous 10 adorned by Law. Already an Icon but not an iconic 7.

David Beckham

One of my favourite players and also the first real global icon in world football, 'Goldenballs' announced himself on the scene with a wonder goal from his own half against Wimbledon. He had talent but he was also one of the hardest working players on the team. He had a steely determination to win and would always fight for United. It also helped that he was a United fan and still is.

Becks has gone on to become and England and worldwide 'soccer' icon. There's no-one really similar in the team right now. Ferguson has created a team that is greater than the sum of it's parts but I would love to see a true icon of the game emerge again at United.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano came to United as a skinny, raw talent who was apparently labelled a on-trick pony. He left as a Premiership thoroughbred and a United legend. He scored a phenomenal number of goals from a wide position and became officially the best player in the world whilst at United. He has moved onto Real Madrid and has broken several scoring records at the Bernabeu but no-one will deny he was made by United.

In Nani, we have a player with similar qualities, if not on the same level. Quick, skilful and genuinely two footed he has the talent and ability to establish himself as a world class player. It seems as though he has a mental block stopping him from truly influencing every game he plays in. He showed some of his best form last season and hopefully he can build on this to become a real legend at United. Of all our players in the current squad he seems to be the most likely, if only he can step it up to the top level.

Who do you think can step it up? Will the likes of Welbeck and Cleverley be given the opportunity to stake their claim? Are they good enough to wear the iconic shirt? Let us know your views below.