As one of the most decorated clubs in world football, Manchester United boasts a rich history full of legendary footballers. Their status as the biggest club in England has attracted some of world football’s biggest stars to Old Trafford, while they have also produced some of the best talents British football has ever seen.
From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92 and beyond, there have been many greats who graced the Theatre of Dreams, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Bobby Charlton, Roy Keane, and countless others.
Thus, in this article, we have decided to come up with a list of the 10 best Manchester United players ever, and to do so, we’ve taken a very specific set of criteria into account, which are as follows:
- Impact
- Longevity
- Statistics
- Trophies
#10 Dennis Law
Dennis Law was born in Aberdeen and grew up in poverty in a council house where shoes were considered a luxury. His talent for football was a way out, and he seized the opportunity with both hands, first with Huddersfield Town and Manchester City, then with Torino in Italy and back to Manchester, this time with United, for who he debuted on 18 August 1962.
Law’s time at the club largely coincided with the post-Munich period, so his honours of two league titles and an FA Cup hardly reflect both his importance and his ability.
But as a goal-scorer, Law was ‘The King’, scoring 237 goals in 404 games, including 34 goals in 46 FA Cup games and another 28 goals in Europe. With 30 goals in 55 games, he is still the joint top all-time scorer for Scotland, matching Kenny Dalglish, who took 102 caps to notch the same total.
#9 Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona, the charismatic Frenchman, was the catalyst for United’s success in the early Premier League era. In 185 appearances, he netted 82 goals and provided 62 assists, with his flair, creativity, and technical brilliance transforming United into a dominant force.
If ever there was a player that was made for United, it was Cantona. Cantona was an inveterate trainer, dedicated to his craft and frequently found doing extra sessions. That attitude rubbed off on the young players around him, who grew up thinking it was the norm.
In his five seasons at the club they won four league titles and two FA Cups, gaining the self-belief that would lead to many more, for which Cantona was the catalyst.
#8 Rio Ferdinand
One of United’s finest defenders, Rio Ferdinand, appeared 455 times for the club. His elegant style of play, footballing intelligence, and defensive solidity were key to United’s success during his tenure.
He very rarely made a mistake in his prime years, and when he did he had the speed to make a recovery tackle. His commanding presence at the back and his partnership with Nemanja Vidi? were the bedrock of United’s defense, leading to six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his stint at the club.
He’s not only one of the best players to have ever played for Man United, but one of the best players to have ever played in the Premier League too.
#7 Paul Scholes
Scholes has won everything in the game, including an almost-inconceivable ten Premier League titles. Scholes first started training with United at the age of 14, although he wasn’t part of the 1992 FA Youth Cup-winning side as there were still concerns about his small stature.
With 155 goals in 718 appearances, Scholes was one of United’s most influential midfielders in English football history. His vision, passing range, and goalscoring abilities played a significant role in United’s success, with many of his colleagues recognising him as one of the best midfielders of all time.
His ability to control games and his score long range screamers set him apart from the rest. A key member of the Class of ’92, Scholes enjoyed a trophy-ladened career at the club which included 11 league titles, three FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues titles.
#6 Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson, known affectionately as “Captain Marvel,” was a dynamic midfielder with a ridiculous engine, who influenced games with his leadership, work-rate, and scoring ability. His peak came before Ferguson’s great league-winning sides, so his list of personal honours isn’t as big as it should have been, but his commitment to the cause can never be doubted.
The only problem with Robson was that the team were overly reliant on him, and his regular bouts of injury meant that he did miss games – sometimes important ones. Robbo played 461 times for United, scoring 99 goals, a decent return for a midfielder.
He was instrumental in leading United to two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. His performances left a lasting impact on the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson even saying he was the best player at the club over the period he was at the club.
#5 Roy Keane
Born in a suburb of Cork, Roy Keane started his career at semi-professional club Cobh Ramblers before being spotted by Nottingham Forest, who he represented for three seasons. Upon Forest’s relegation, Keane activated a break clause in his contract; he was all set to sign for Blackburn Rovers until a last-minute swoop by Ferguson saw him go to Old Trafford for a record £3.75 million.
The Irishman was a colossus in the midfield for the Red Devils, making 480 appearances during his 12 year stint with the club. As captain, he led with intensity, ferocity, and an unwavering will to win. His combative nature, powerful displays, and exceptional ability to read the game set him apart.
Keane was vital in guiding United through an era of dominance that saw them win seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a historic Treble in 1999. His leadership on and off the pitch was invaluable, making him one of the greatest captains in United’s history.
#4 Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney was born in Croxteth in Liverpool and grew up as an Everton fan. He became a part of the club’s youth setup from the age of nine, but Everton’s precarious financial position forced them into a sale, and in August 2004 he moved to United.
United fans knew they had a player on their hands as soon as Wayne Rooney stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch, and his brilliance and tenacity saw him become United’s all-time top scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances. His versatility, technical ability, work rate, and passion for the club were second to none.
From being a fiery teenager to becoming club captain, Rooney’s journey at United was a successful one. The Englishman was instrumental in winning numerous titles, including five Premier League trophies and the 2008 Champions League title.
#3 George Best
George Best was the man who originated the Number 7 legend at Manchester United, making the shirt an icon of skill, desire and status. But Best was the best of the lot, a truly generational talent who could dribble, pass, perform outrageous tricks and score goals.
Despite being a winger, Best made 470 appearances and scored 179 goals for United. The Northern Irishman was a dazzling winger whose skill, creativity, and goalscoring prowess earned him the nickname “El Beatle.”
Despite his career being marred by off-field issues, Best’s talent was undeniable, with him widely regarded as one of the finest footballers Britain has ever produced.
#2 Ryan Giggs
Born in Cardiff but brought up in Salford, Ryan Giggs is very much a Manchester boy and the epitome of a one-club man. He won 13 league titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup; he is the most decorated British footballer in history.
Known for his mesmerising dribbling, intelligent play, and adaptability, Giggs could play anywhere across the midfield and later in his career, even in central midfield. Ryan Giggs, was an epitome of longevity and consistency, making an astonishing 963 appearances for United and scoring 168 goals.
His goal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal remains one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history. While his enduring quality and dedication to the club make him a true icon.
#1 Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton was more than a great player; he was the rock on which the club was anchored in the dark days post the Munich Disaster, the one constant who kept the club afloat, kept the dream alive and dragged the club back to the pinnacle of English football.
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Sir Bobby Charlton made 758 appearances and scored a then-record 249 goals for the club. A survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, the England legend led United to their first European Cup in 1968, having also been key to three First Division triumphs. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, as well as finishing runners-up in 1967 and 1968.
His range of passing, vision, and goalscoring ability, particularly his thunderous shots from outside the box, made him stand out among his peers. Besides, Charlton’s dedication and services to United extend beyond his playing career, and his influence undoubtedly makes him United’s best-ever player.
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