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.
