id say its more to do with him being superstitious about the number 25 being lucky for him than the number 7 being a problem. like a pair of lucky socks doesnt make all other socks the problem, just that theyre special.
Antonio Valencia | 2013/14 Performances
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran are here to talk about a frustrating 2 points dropped at Crystal Palace. They then discuss the regeneration of Old Trafford. Finally, Nik is joined by special guest Michael Statham from the Football Oranje podcast - who gives us a more in depth look at our EL opposition FC Twente, and then runs through the (many) Dutch connections currently at United.
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id say its more to do with him being superstitious about the number 25 being lucky for him than the number 7 being a problem. like a pair of lucky socks doesnt make all other socks the problem, just that theyre special.
Lol, does his brand have the silhouette of a grumpy face as its logo?
I'm sure the guy has a lot more on his mind, especially given one of his closest friends died last week.
The decision to alter the pattern of cloth on the back of his shirt means little in of itself, but it bodes badly for other, more high pressure situations he'll have to deal with semi regularly as a consequence of being a Manchester United player, playing in big matches with big stakes, if he genuinely thinks he will or has been effected by it.
To me at least. It's not something you'd associate with a great player, or one intent on forging their name in history. Obviously not every team needs to be full of these types of players. But it's at least a semblance of the attitude I'd expect from a Manchester United first team winger.
It's all very well being a nice guy. He can be a nice guy at a smaller club, paying him a smaller wage to deal with smaller pressures.
To me at least. It's not something you'd associate with a great player, or one intent on forging their name in history. Obviously not every team needs to be full of these types of players. But it's at least a semblance of the attitude I'd expect from a Manchester United first team winger.
It's all very well being a nice guy. He can be a nice guy at a smaller club, paying him a smaller wage to deal with smaller pressures.
Give it to Nani
Knowing Valencia, it could just as easily be that he thinks he dishonoured the shirt somehow and feels the need to prove himself again. In which case this could be a positive move.
I'm going to wait to hear what he has to say before jumping to conclusions.
I'm going to wait to hear what he has to say before jumping to conclusions.
You have to be joking...never ever should that man wear that jersey, never.
Was joke. Valencia would be the last player who'd ever be accused of seeking the limelight.
It more certainly does.
The fact he chose to post a pic of his shirt on Twatter must have some relevance in all of this. Obviously he's either trolling everyone or he's particularly happy to have #25 again.
He's 100 more worthy of it than Owen, and is more suited to the task than Valencia too. It's a shame we're going to have to give it to Ronaldo really.
. You never fail to deliverNani is certainly worthy of the 7 jersey. But if Valencia is giving it up, I am hoping we make a class signing.
Nani 
He made the right decision.
Spot on
If there is anyone that should get it, it's nani. Our best and most talented winger by far, and has been since Ronaldo left.
And here I was thinking he should grow a pair and step up to the challenge. Anyway, if it gets him back to his best, then I'm all for it. Sadly, I don't see it happening.
Damning with faint praise, but I do agree that Nani would look wearing 7.
Maybe it's just a case of not being one for the limelight, like Scholes. I don't know if Valencia is a shy character, but if I were a professional footballer and had a bit of talent, I'd rather wear a modest shirt number and let people judge me on my performance rather than soak up all the attention of wearing the most glamorous shirt number in football.
It reminds me of Jason in the apprentice, handing over the Project Management to Luisa because he couldn't take it. Take it which ever way you want but if he's given up a shirt number to lessen the pressure on himself, it's hardly a sign of strength is it?
Now when Ronaldo does join, it'll be okay. But for now, 'tonio you a bitch.
Now when Ronaldo does join, it'll be okay. But for now, 'tonio you a bitch.
Bale 7
It could very well be superstition. Many successful people are superstitious.
Schmeichel was apparently the most superstitious person the club has ever seen - and he would freak out if things weren't done in exactly the order he wanted it - but I don't think anyone would consider him mentally weak.
Thats called OCD
Perhaps we can get beckham... he would shift some shirts and might actually want to play for us
Seems more probable than the inevitable cesc, ronaldo, bale etc for #7
Seems more probable than the inevitable cesc, ronaldo, bale etc for #7
In fairness he was a better #7 than owen
Im not saying anything just that we have had more great 7's than the dippers
Fair enough, but that's probably just a side effect of being a lot better than them in general!
I just don't like this idea that only 'special' players get to wear our number 7. When Ronaldo first wore it, he was a promising young talent. He was not an established great. Seems like some people are unwilling to give some players a chance in that shirt and heap a load of pressure on them because of the names of a handful of players who have worn it for us. I hate the idea of thinking any player who plays for us doesn't deserve the chance to wear it (even if they actually are our first choice right winger). Except for Michael Owen, like. He was shite.
All in all, this move by Valencia is just another example of superstition amongst sportsmen. Like how Paul Ince used to insist on being the last player to put his shirt on before the match.
He wasn't worthy of the shirt anyway, so its a good move - as long as we see a better Valencia that is all that matters. Can't wait to see who is going to come in to wear that shirt though.. can United afford to leave that shirt empty for a season?
The shirt is so iconic, it should have been left free when Owen wore it.
I don't want to draw too many conclusions. We know he can handle the pressure, as he's proven that before last season. He's played some great games against Chelsea and I thought he did well against Bayern in that unlucky QF at Old Trafford. But last season has left a bad taste and now this, it doesn't look too good. If it helps him to express himself more again on the pitch, then I'm all for it.
Sometimes it takes a season or two to recover his speed after that bad break. We all thought Stam lost a step or two after his bad injury. We were dead wrong and it should after he went to Italy.
Give it to De Gea!
Surprised people are being negative about this or even giving him grief. Think it's a very positive move and he should be commended. Didn't like the pressure associated with number 7? fair enough, good of him to notice that and do something about it. Frame of mind is so important with players, this can only be seen as a good thing
I think players who are tasked with unlocking defences for us, taking risks and overall, making a difference at the sharp end of the pitch absolutely MUST have self-belief. Not feeling the pressure of the #7 shirt is in no way a positive thing. The very nature of Valencia's role in the team means he cannot simply 'go about his job quietly'. Personality and responsibility is required, otherwise, you are not up to the task at this level.
A top team should not have a key attacking player who wishes to 'hide' on the pitch.
Surprise, less-likely pick = Januzaj
Oh dear god. Owen is coming back.
Yet his 'lack of self belief' didn't seem to affect him the two seasons before when he was one of, if not or best player?
some people (not necessarily you) are far too knee jerk in this place.
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