Louis Saha panics at thought of Jesse Lingard getting Man Utd No7 shirt amid rumours he has asked for iconic jersey
FORMER Manchester United striker Louis Saha doesn't believe Jesse Lingard is worthy of wearing the No7 shirt at Old Trafford.
Reports claim that the England midfielder has requested the famous jersey after it became available following Alexis Sanchez's move to Inter Milan.
Lingard, who currently wears the No14, has been criticised in recent months for his performances.
Damning statistics show that he hasn't scored or assisted with a goal since December.
The No7 shirt has been worn by some of the greats over the years including George Best, Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Saha believes Lingard can't just demand the shirt because it has to be earned.
he said: “I mean, no disrespect, Jesse’s a player from the academy and he’s been there a long time, he understands.
“But as I mentioned it’s not just something that you just claim.
“It’s something that people give to you for some reason because you now have attached to your back something that represents the club, you represent the club, the history and all that.
“You can’t take that lightly, it’s not just about you thinking that you have the potential.
“I don’t think that he done it seriously.
"When you know the history of that number, you know [there is] a responsibility.
most read in football
“You can’t just think like your career gets you that shirt. Now you have to prove it.
“Definitely those players who thought lightly about it got punished because you have to work really hard.
“George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham - all those players are immense players for the club.
“You have to realise it’s not just talent, you have to be committed, be a leader, be someone who inspires others.”
Nobody has managed to impress in the No7 jersey since Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009.
Sanchez, Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay were three huge name signings at the times of their arrival but each failed to deal with the weight of expectation.
Michael Owen, who has been involved in a bizarre Twitter spat with Alan Shearer, has managed the most goals out of the last five players to wear the shirt with five.