Best in seventh heaven

Best: Voted United's greatest ever number seven

Shockwaves emanated from Manchester United's training ground earlier this week when Juan Sebastian Veron was spotted wearing the Reds' coveted number seven shirt.

Would the new £28.1m signing be taking United's most prestigious number away from England captain David Beckham?

The fears proved unfounded.

United soon confirmed that the majestic Argentine midfielder would be wearing 23 next season while Beckham would be holding on to his prized shirt.

But according to voters in a BBC Sport Online poll, Beckham does not compare to a couple of Old Trafford's past great number sevens.

Veron: Spotted wearing the coveted seven

More than 3,000 people voted and 44% of them thought that George Best was United's greatest-ever seven.

Talismanic French striker Eric Cantona, who inspired the Reds to their first Premiership title in 1993, was close behind. polling almost 39% of the votes.

The current holder of the shirt, Beckham, came last, with less than 9% voting him the greatest.

Former United and England captain Bryan Robson polled just over 9% of the votes in third place.

James Rippey summed up the feelings of many when he e-mailed BBC Sport Online's Sportstalk and said: "The greatest ever number seven would have to be George Best.

"He is one of the most talented - if not the most talented - players ever to wear a United shirt.

  Vote results

George Best - 43.50%

Eric Cantona - 38.78%

Bryan Robson - 9.13%

David Beckham - 8.59%

"Beckham, Cantona and Robson are all great at what they do, but George Best could do eveything they can put together."

Tom Holroyd indignantly said: "How can you even ask the question when George Best wore the shirt?"

There were almost as many e-mails in favouring Cantona and his Gallic flair and immense leadership qualities.

Jason from the UK said: "Cantona turned a good side into a great side and made United champions again."