Manchester United is not only a footballing juggernaut in England, but also a team with a stellar international reputation. The squad has accomplished everything, from developing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo to their illustrious trophy run under the famous management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The club has had some of the greatest Manchester United players in the world wear the coveted red shirt, including league champions, European Cup winners, and Ballon d’Or winners.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 18 when he joined United in 2003, left the club in 2009 for a transfer record-breaking £80 million. Ronaldo’s quick rise at United between 2007 and 2009 helped the team win three consecutive Premier League championships with a Champions League in between.
At that moment, Ronaldo became the third United player to win the coveted Ballon d’Or title.
The footballer will always be regarded as a Manchester United legend despite the tumultuous conclusion to the partnership following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
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2. Wayne Rooney
A hat-trick and an assist in the Champions League are the best performances by a United player ever.
He was 18 years old when he signed up for the team in 2004. He earned five Premier League titles and a Champions League victory by the time he departed the team in 2017. However, his status as one of the greatest United players of all time was cemented when he outscored Sir Bobby Charlton with 253 goals to become the team’s all-time leading scorer.
3. Roy Keane
While Roy Keane may not have had the flare of Zinedine Zidane or the vision of Xavi, few midfielders in the history of the game “got the job done” as well as he did.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Keane, a staunch box-to-box midfielder, helped United dominate English football. His effort in the 1998–1999 Champions League semifinal match against Juventus in Turin is widely regarded as one of the best captain performances in recent memory. For however long Keane was at Old Trafford, it was amazing even though it did not turn out nicely.
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4. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs holds the record for most championships won with 13 Premier League crowns.
He is not, however, regarded as a Manchester United legend for more than just one reason.
He also holds the record for the most red demon appearances with an incredible 963.
Giggs, a product of the United academy, played among the top wingers in the world for a substantial portion of his career. One of the best goals ever scored in England is still recognized as his strike against Arsenal in the 1998–1999 FA Cup semifinal. Giggs modified his playing style at the conclusion of his career to play a more midfield position as opposed to a true winger.
5. Eric Cantona
The dynamics of the team were substantially affected with the £1.2 million signing of Eric Cantona.
He is thought to be the key component Ferguson was looking for to start a football dynasty. The Frenchman was instrumental in the club’s four Premier League and two FA Cup titles while at Old Trafford.
6. Nemanja Vidic
Manchester United paid £7 million for the tough defender, and the transaction quickly rose to the top of Sir Alex Ferguson’s list of most profitable ones. Throughout his eight and a half years with the team, Vidic won five Premier League titles, three league cups, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. He and Rio Ferdinand together made a potent defensive pairing. Both players were in Edwin van der Sar’s all-time greatest starting eleven team, who played as United’s goalkeeper from 2005 to 2011.
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7. Gary Neville
Few players in Manchester United’s history have shown as much devotion to the team as Gary Neville.
Neville, a United academy alumnus from the storied “Class of 92,” played right back for United without question for the entirety of his playing career. Neville is one of three Reds to have won two Champions League crowns, and he won an incredible eight Premier League championships during his time at United. Neville, who has a gift for analysis, is currently regarded as one of the top football analysts in the world.
8. Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand was the most expensive defender in history when he was acquired by Sir Alex Ferguson from Leeds United in 2002 for £30 million. Nevertheless, United received more value than they paid for from the former England center-back. Ferdinand has been a steadfast member of United’s defense, as shown by the team’s six Premier League titles and Champions League gold.
9. Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel was bought by Ferguson from Brndby in 1991 for £505,000. Ferguson referred to the amount as the “bargain of the century” in a later statement. Schmeichel was a regular in goal for United during the 1990s, which was perhaps the club’s greatest successful era in its 143-year history. The renowned Danish football player won five league championships at Old Trafford. He was also a part of the legendary squad that won the historic triple crown in the 1998–1999 season.
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10. Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson was Ferguson’s first excellent captain. At Old Trafford, Robson was the primary driving force behind Ferguson’s early success as United manager, practically leading the club by himself in the 1980s. The manager had faith in Robson because he spent a significant amount of his United career as the first name on the squad sheet, or “Captain Marvel” as he was known to supporters during his playing days.
11. Duncan Edwards
By the time Duncan Edwards was 21 years old, he had made more than 150 appearances for Manchester United, which says a lot about his talent. Sadly, Edwards perished in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster. By that time, it was anticipated that he would take the helm of Manchester United and England. Edwards was the only player, according to Sir Bobby Charlton, who made him feel inadequate. There has been some rivalry throughout the years, but Duncan was without a doubt the best player to have come out of this location. I wouldn’t use the word “colossal” to describe anyone else, but he was enormous. “He had such a presence; he controlled every game on the field.” He would have been the best player in the world if he had survived. It is sad that there isn’t enough film to demonstrate to today’s youth just how great he was. He was amazing, and it is impossible to portray that.
12. Paul Scholes
Because of his exceptional talent, Paul Scholes chose to retire before coming out of it to win yet another Premier League title. Scholes, a player from the “Class of 92,” only ever played for United. He won 11 Premier League titles in addition to three FA Cups, two League Cups, and two Champions Leagues.
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13. Denis Law
For a period, Denis Law, one-third of United’s Holy Trinity, held the record for the team’s most goals scored with 237. Law, who came to Old Trafford from the Italian team Torino, stayed there for 11 years.
The team’s first-ever European Cup championship was achieved in 1968. His skills and legacy, along with those of George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, were honored with monuments in front of Old Trafford.
14. George Best
The finest No. 7 of the team, George Best, is endowed with lightning-quick pace, artistic flair, and a keen eye for goals. Best completed a remarkable year by taking home the prized Ballon d’Or trophy. In the extra period of the 1968 European Cup final versus Benfica, George Best scored.
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15. Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is without a doubt the greatest player to have ever sported the coveted red jersey at Old Trafford, and few United supporters would disagree with that statement. He is a legend, a captain, and a boss. The 1968 European Cup was won by the United team, which was coached by 1966 Ballon d’Or winner Charlton, when they defeated Eusebio’s Benfica in the final. Sir Bobby, one of the greatest goal-scoring midfielders in football history, is United’s second-leading scorer with 249 goals.
Throughout the years, Manchester United has produced a number of renowned footballers, including Ballon d’Or winners, European Cup winners, and league champions. David De Gea, the current goalkeeper with the most club appearances at his position, is among those deserving of honorable. Although Manchester United has produced numerous legends throughout its history, the club’s current players are rising through the ranks and earning recognition in the sport. Raphael Varane and Casemiro are regarded highly for their accomplishments in the Spanish La Liga as former Real Madrid veterans.
Will their talent and perseverance shine through bright enough to earn them a place among Manchester United legends?
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