Edinson Cavani had occupied the famous no.7 shirt that
Ronaldo donned for six years during his first stay at United and it was unclear
if the Uruguayan would be willing to give it up or if the Premier League would
provide special dispensation for United to switch numbers.
After United made a special request, however, the Premier
League granted the club permission and Ronaldo was granted his wish.
United have since heavily promoted the no.7 shirt and fans
have been queuing outside Old Trafford to get their hands on a shirt with
Ronaldo’s name on the back.
According to the Mirror, in just a matter of hours after the
shirt went on sale United had the biggest day of online sales ever on a single
sports merchandise site outside of North America.
Remarkably, in the first hour alone on United’s official
website the club beat their best ever 24 hours of sales and it was all thanks
to the Ronaldo effect.
Shirts with Ronaldo on the back therefore became the biggest
selling player ever in a 24-hours period on the online shop run by Fanatics.
Ronaldo hopes to make his second debut for the club against
Newcastle United next week.
The game is being played at 3pm at Old Trafford, meaning
those not at the Theatre of Dreams will be unable to watch the event.
United have picked up seven points from their first three league matches, dropping two points in a 1-1 draw against Southampton.