At 33 years of age Cavani has been handed the responsibility of following in the footsteps of some of Old Trafford’s most famous sons after completing a free transfer to United earlier this week.
The likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have cemented legendary status in the red half of Manchester when donning the number seven jersey at the club.
However, players who have worn the jersey in the last decade or so have seen the pressure that comes with it weigh down heavily on their shoulders.
The likes of Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez all failed spectacularly to live up to the billing as United’s number seven.
Cavani is confident he will be able to join United’s successful sons as he prepares to make his debut for his new club after the international break.
“It’s a fantastic challenge, and an exciting responsibility too, which I’m accepting with the best will in the world, and like I said, I’ll be working really hard to perform at my very best so I can leave that number, that shirt, just how it was left by those players you just mentioned,” Cavani told United's official website of following in the footsteps of Beckham and co.
“It’s a great number, I got to wear it with the national team as well. But I honestly believe that the number you wear is more of an off-the-field thing. That’s where it counts for more.
“I know that once you’re out on the pitch, the number you have on your shirt has no influence.
“But when you get the chance to pull on the No.7 shirt at Manchester United, which has been worn by some top, top players who have been legends here in this country and at this club, it really is a nice responsibility to have.
“I enjoy challenges and, as I said to you, I hope that I can do it great justice and leave it in as high regard as the many great players who have worn this shirt before me.”
