There’s no denying that Manchester United is one of the most successful teams in British footballing history. The mancunian football club has won numerous titles and cups in both British and European tournaments, helped by the many famous names who have played for the club. Some of the most legendary footballers have spent the majority of their sporting careers at Man United, helping the club reach the highs of many leagues over the years.
So who are the best Manchester United players of all time? Granted the list is one that may differ depending on your generation and with so many legends having played for the club, it’s hard to decide who the top ten really are. But here’s our list of the greatest Man U players to have graced the grounds of Old Trafford, let us know if you agree or not!
Player – Ryan Giggs
Time at Club – 1990 to 2014
Position – Midfielder
Giggs joined Manchester United in 1990 where he spent his entire professional footballing career, playing more than 900 games for the club. He is the most decorated player in history and holds the record for the most appearances for Man U. During his time at the club, he managed to help the team win 13 premier leagues and 4 FA cups. Giggs was also the first ever player to win 2 consecutive PFA Young Player Of The Year Awards and also has another record to his name for the most assists in Premier League history, with 271 in total. In 2009, he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year and was also awarded an OBE in 2007.
Player – Bobby Charlton
Time at Club – 1956 to 1973
Position – Attacking Midfielder
Bobby Charlton is noted to be one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport. He was part of the England team in 1966 when they won the world cup, the same year he won the coveted Ballon d’Or award. He spent most of his football career at Manchester United, who he helped to win the league in 1965. Charlton also captained the team in 1968 when they won the European Cup and is one of the club’s leading goal scorers, with a whopping 249 goals under his belt.
Player – Paul Scholes
Time at Club – 1993 to 2013
Position – Midfielder
Paul Scholes played for Manchester United between the years 1993 and 2013 and is the most decorated player in English football history. He has won 25 trophies during his career, including 11 Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues. Scholes spent his entire professional career at Man U and is often regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He made over 700 appearances for Manchester United during his time at the club.
Player – Roy Keane
Time at Club – 1993 to 2005
Position – Midfielder
Keane is another legendary footballer who spent many years at Manchester United. The sportsman won 17 major titles during his time at the club and is one of the most successful Irish footballers of all time. Keane was well known for his aggressive and competitive style, which helped him succeed in the sport and also captained Manchester United for a number of years.
Player – George Best
Time at Club – 1963 to 1974
Position – Winger
Best first began his footballing career at Manchester United in 1963 after playing for the youth team. He helped the club win the European Cup in 1968 and also made over 400 appearances for Man United, where he scored over 170 goals. He was the club’s top scorer for five seasons on the trot and is still deemed one of the sport’s best dribblers of all time. George Best was known for his skillful play and possessed great levels of both balance and pace.
Player – Eric Cantona
Time at Club – 1992 to 1997
Position – Forward
Eric Cantona is one of the most successful players in football and played for Manchester United for five years. During his time at the club, Cantona helped them win four Premier League titles. He is often regarded as being a key player during the team’s revival during the 90’s. Cantona is an iconic Man U player was often referred to as “King Eric” to the club’s fans. He was once voted one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players by Inside United magazine.
Player – Wayne Rooney
Time at Club – 2004 to Present
Position – Forward
Currently playing for the club, Rooney is already up there as one of the team’s most successful players. He has to date, helped Man U win the Premier League five times, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. In 2013, he scored his 200th goal for Man United making him one of the team’s top scorers of all time and also holds the record for the most goals scored for a club in the Premier League after reaching 180 goals.
Player – Cristiano Ronaldo
Time at Club – 2003 to 2009
Position – Forward
Ronaldo is deemed one of the world’s best footballers and spent six years at Man United between 2003 and 2009. In 2016, he received his fourth Ballon d’Or, the most times a European player has won the award. In 2015, Ronaldo scored his 500th goal and also helped Man United win three Premier League titles during his time at the club, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Player – Peter Schmeichel
Time at Club – 1991 to 1999
Position – Goalkeeper
Peter Schmeichel is noted as one of the best goalkeepers to have ever played at Manchester United. He made over 290 appearances for the club and in 2004, was named as one of the 125 greatest footballers of all time. He was well known his successful years at Manchester United, which he captained during the 1999 UEFA Champions League to complete the Treble. At Man U, Schmeichel won five FA Premier Leagues along with three FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League title.
Player – Bryan Robson
Time at Club – 1981 to 1994
Position – Midfielder
In 1981, Bryan Robson began his time at Manchester United. At the time, his fee was record breaking at a price of £1.5 million. A record which was unbroken for six years. He became one of the club’s longest serving captains and helped the team to win three FA Cups and a European Cup.
So there you have it, our list of the greatest Manchester United players of all time! At Loofes, we stock the latest Manchester United football kits for adults and kids in our sportswear section. Check out the latest shirts along with the rest of our menswear and kids clothing, chosen from top brands and designer labels.
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