The Magnificent Sevens

Eric Cantona's era at Manchester United was as thrilling and monumental as it was controversial and harrowing. Never was it dull, predictable or boring. Cantona carved a niche in the hearts of United fans everywhere and became the undisputed King of Old Trafford. The Frenchman made the number seven shirt his own and he certainly lived up to its magical billing as the shirt worn the club's legends – and, more often than not, its bad boys.In this authoritative and fascinating book, Frank Worrall takes a look behind the facts and the fiction of the five men who have worn the shirt with the most distinction. With the help of players, journalists and a psychologist, he analyses what made Best, Robson, Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo tick and assesses their credentials for a permanent place in the Old Trafford hall of fame.For example, he looks at how Best finally ripped away the cobwebs of Munich by winning the European Cup almost single-handedly for United; how Cantona turned the club back into winners after a dismal spell in the wilderness and how Ronaldo has offered hope and glitter to a United in transition. It also explores the often darker side to the five men and how mischief so often goes hand in hand with their success and how it made them the entertainers they are.