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October 14, 2024
As one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, Manchester United boasts a legacy and trophy collection that most clubs can only aspire to. Under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, widely regarded as one of the most excellent managers in football history, the Red Devils enjoyed a golden era of dominance. Despite challenges since his departure, United’s prestigious status remains intact.
Throughout their history, some of the game’s all-time greats have graced Old Trafford, delivering mesmerizing performances and helping to build United’s remarkable heritage. Narrowing down the list of United’s ten greatest players is no easy feat, considering this.
United Career: 2003-2009 & 2021-2022
While United fans missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo’s peak years—those went to Real Madrid supporters—his time at Old Trafford transformed him from a raw talent into a global superstar. During his first United stint, the Portuguese winger evolved from an inconsistent but dazzling prospect into a world-class player. Between 2006 and 2009, a young Ronaldo especially led United’s resurgence to the heights of English and European football.
The 2007/08 season was a standout, with Ronaldo netting 42 goals across all competitions, securing major trophies and personal accolades. In his 2021 return at age 36, Ronaldo showcased his undiminished scoring ability, adding to his legacy despite his veteran years.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1981-1994
Bryan Robson remains a beloved figure among United fans for his unwavering commitment and leadership throughout the turbulent 1980s. Joining United in 1981 for a British record £1.5 million, Robson more than justified his fee, becoming a club legend with 461 appearances over 13 years. Known as ‘Captain Marvel,’ Robson often drove the team forward from midfield, contributing crucial goals. Though league titles eluded him in his prime, he captured multiple FA Cups and, alongside Steve Bruce, proudly hoisted the inaugural Premier League trophy as his career neared its close.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1993-2005
Roy Keane epitomized the tenacity and determination that fueled United’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s. His eight years as his relentless drive and fierce loyalty defined club captain. Keane’s legendary performance in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus is a testament to his influence; despite receiving a yellow card that ruled him out of the final, he spearheaded an incredible comeback that secured United’s place in the title match.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 2004-2017
Wayne Rooney left an indelible mark on Manchester United, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 253 goals across 13 remarkable years. He also achieved the rare distinction of winning every major club trophy available. Among Rooney’s unforgettable moments, his overhead kick in the 2011 Manchester derby is considered one of the Premier League’s most significant goals. However, his legacy is occasionally clouded by his public expressions of wanting to leave the club on two occasions.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1994-2011 & 2012-2013
Paul Scholes, regarded as one of the finest English players of his generation, only began to receive widespread admiration after retiring, counting icons like Xavi and Zidane among his admirers. Scholes started his United career as a prolific goal-scoring midfielder, hitting double figures regularly and peaking with 20 goals in the 2002/03 season. In his later years, he evolved into a deep-lying playmaker, where his vision and football intelligence allowed him to control the tempo with unmatched finesse.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1992-1997
Eric Cantona’s £1.2m transfer from Leeds in 1992 gave United the spark needed to dominate the Premier League’s early years. Cantona became an instant hero known for his swagger and flair, and his infamous kung-fu kick only added to his cult status. Beyond his electrifying play, he mentored the young talents who would form the backbone of United’s success for years. To this day, Cantona remains a fan favorite, with Old Trafford chants celebrating his legendary presence.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1962-1973
Sir Matt Busby set a British transfer record to bring Denis Law back from Torino in 1962, and the Scottish forward delivered, becoming one of the club’s most prolific scorers. His 46 goals in the 1963/64 season remain a single-season record at United and earned him the Ballon d’Or. Though an injury kept him out of the 1968 European Cup final, Law’s impact in the 1960s was unmatched, and he departed in 1973 with 237 goals, still holding third place on United’s all-time scoring list.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1963-1974
George Best’s United career was nothing short of electrifying. Known for his dazzling skills and charisma, Best burst onto the scene as a teenager, famously dismantling Benfica in a European Cup clash in 1966. Two years later, he scored his 32nd goal of the season against Benfica in the final, helping United to their first European Cup title and later winning the Ballon d’Or. Though he left at 27, Best still played nearly 500 games and scored 179 goals, becoming a true legend of the game.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1991-2014
Debuting at 17 and playing his last match at 41, Ryan Giggs personified loyalty and longevity, capturing more trophies than most clubs’ history. Giggs was a pillar of United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson and played an integral role in every significant victory. In 2008, he broke the record for all-time United appearances, finishing with 963 matches to his name—an astounding achievement that will likely never be matched.
Major Achievements:
United Career: 1956-1973
Sir Bobby Charlton was the heart and soul of Manchester United, representing both the glory of the Busby Babes and the resilience needed to rebuild after the Munich disaster. Following the tragedy, Charlton led United with 29 goals, later helping the club capture domestic and European titles. His Ballon d’Or win in 1966 underscored his greatness, and his records for goals and appearances stood for decades, underscoring his place as one of the club’s all-time icons.
Major Achievements:
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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