CR7 Special: Like Always, Manchester United Will Lose A Legend & Only Get Better

Manchester United is an organic entity, constantly evolving under the guidance of ever-present boss Sir Alex Ferguson. No player is bigger than the club, we are constantly reminded, and to think that the £80 million departure of Cristiano Ronaldo will considerably dent the competitive future of the Old Trafford outfit is short-sighted, and shows an ignorance of the club's history and it's productive conveyor belt that produces, schools or acquires iconic no.7's.

The club has been here before - whether the player in question is Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and now a flamboyant trickster called Ronaldo. How can Manchester United possibly cope without a star product that has tormented defences on a regular basis? A fall from grace is surely on the horizon if hyperactive and wildly imaginative melodramatics are to believed. Ronaldo cannot be replaced, of that there can be little arguing. Evolution is therefore key. 

Sir Alex's First No.7 - Inherited

Former captain Bryan Robson was the driving force for United through a barren title spell in the 1980s. FA Cups were claimed, two to be precise but, like the Liverpool of today, the club - and Robson - were desperate for a league crown that had eluded them for more years than they would wish to count.

He was signed in 1981 for a record £1.5 million fee, and was to be worth every penny. He became a driving force for United by seemingly single-handedly winning games with his precise tackling, his darting runs into the box, his eye for goal and, of course, his leadership credentials that were born out of a philosophy of 'never say die'. After 11 years of service with the club, he was to eventually receive a league winners medal, yet a series of injuries had begun to dog his career and Sir Alex has even spoken in hindsight about how perplexed he was when it came to searching for potential replacements.

Enter Roy Keane.

One icon departs, while a future legend enters the fray.

Keane was by no means a no.7 (that number was to be bestowed upon 'King' Eric Cantona), but he initially started his career in more of an elevated position than the imposing box-to-boxer that was to later typify his style. Keane was to cost the club another record sum but, like his midfield predecessor, he proved to be worth far more than the funds laid out for his signature in 1993. Ferguson slowly began to change the dynamic of his midfield.

There were no trophies claimed in 1995, and an elongated period of further disappointment threatened to de-rail the steps put in place to ensure dominance, as influential players such as Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis were sold on.

Out of the ashes of the old school emerged a new breed. Kids. The team evolved. Moved on out of necessity and despite infamous proclamations at the time that you can't win anything with youngsters, United's academy products went on to differ as David Beckham, Nicky Butt, and Paul Scholes were brought into the team. A successful evolution. 

No.7 II - Acquired

Meanwhile, an eccentric and enigmatic Frenchman had begun to steal the headlines and made a strong impact in his debut season in 199293, after a surprising move from then-champions Leeds United, while the aforementioned old school were guilty of ineffectiveness. Cantona went on to sport the skipper's armband. He scored, and created, vital goals and was an inspiration for those around him. His contributions were vast, and he had a priceless habit of scoring when his team needed his services the most: see FA Cup final; 1996.

The announcement of his early retirement, aged 30 in 1997, after winning four league titles in five years with the club, disheartened the club's fans.

United though, again, evolved. After a one-year barren spell they went on to lift the Premier League title three times in three years; including a treble-claim in 1999. The Champions League was the greatest honour of Sir Alex's reign up until that point, and a trophy that Cantona never received despite being one of the club's greatest players.

The Third - Graduated

David Beckham possessed all the necessary credentials of a future Manchester United captain had it not been for a lifestyle outside of football that increasingly worried Ferguson due to it's Hollywood nature.

His dedication, drive, and professionalism were unrivalled. He was proud to wear the famous red strip of United whether he was playing Barcelona or Barnsley. He was a constant threat from dead-ball situations, a long-range passer, and an inspiration to others in the squad due to his attitude during training.

His acrimonious departure in 2003 paved a further road of seasons without league titles, and Ferguson's ability to continue at the top level was even, unfairly, doubted by some sections of the media, as well as the supporters as United did not claim a further top flight honour until 2007, that title was to be followed by two more. The second Premier League treble. Oh, and another Champions League win.

All aided by the next heir to the no.7 jersey; Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Next Generation - Schooled

Ronaldo was a different breed to Beckham. They could both strike a ball, but the Portuguese was also blessed with tremendous pace together with a capacity to dribble at the defence, and drawing space. When he first arrived at the club in 2003 he was slim, and his decision-making needed vast improvement, but under Ferguson, Ronaldo beefed up and improved his awareness and delivery.

He blossomed into a fearless 42-goal in a solitary season forward, an individual accolade magnet, a fantastic header of the football, he rarely got injured, and one who Sir Alex helped bloom into the embodiment of world class.

The announcement that a world record bid had been accepted by the club has polarised opinion. How can the club recover? What positions will they reinvest in?

United will do well to not go on the immediate hunt for a ready-made replacement. His productivity from the wings could be replicated with one strong recruit in the mould of either in-demand Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery, or highly-fancied Wigan Athletic flanker Luis Antonio Valencia. While his guaranteed 25-30 goal haul must be replicated with a striking addition, to relieve the burden off the shoulders of a trident who drop deep in the pitch: Dimitar Berbatov; Carlos Tevez; and Wayne Rooney.

The evolution will no doubt continue, and United - if history is anything to go by - will return stronger than ever.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com