Sir Alex Ferguson claims Michael Owen was the obvious choice to take the number 7 shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United Football Club.

The jersey has been worn in the past by greats such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and, more recently, Ronaldo.

Owen, who was signed this summer from Newcastle United in a shock deal, is the latest to have the shirt, and Ferguson believes it was a natural choice.

"The criteria for the number seven is quite clear," said the Scottish coach. "It is a jersey that has been worn by some high-profile players and we have that in Michael Owen.

"You have to choose someone you are confident can carry that on and his profile in the last decade has been outstanding. He was a natural choice.”