5 best set-piece takers for Manchester United in the 21st century

Manchester United have been the most dominant club in England over the course of time. There are very few Premier League clubs in the world who can match their achievements, indomitable fanbase and financial pull.

In their illustrious history, Manchester United have won a record number of 20 League titles - 13 of which came in the Premier League era. The Red Devils have also been crowned European Champions three times, which showcases their might on the European circuit.

The Red Devils are also known for their famed academy which has produced great footballers over the years, with the 'Class of 92' being their most famous batch. With immense success and the presence of global superstars, they also boast one of the largest fanbases in the world and attract support from across the globe.

It goes without saying that a club like Manchester United have seen many footballing legends wear their famous red kit at Old Trafford. On that note, let us take a look at

5 best set-piece takers for Manchester United in the 21st century

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#5 Wayne Rooney

Manchester City v Manchester United - FA Community Shield

At his very best, Wayne Rooney was a master of all trades. The former England sharpshooter had the caliber to have an impact almost anywhere on the pitch. During his 13-year tenure with the Red Devils, Rooney helped the club win numerous titles and left as their greatest ever goalscorer. He scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for the club.

In addition to scoring goals, Rooney was also an impressive playmaker and a great set-piece specialist. His powerful, inch-perfect shots were the key to his free-kicks, which always troubled the goalkeeper.

The goal which helped Rooney overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's tally to become United's greatest goalscorer was a stoppage-time free-kick against Stoke City.

#4 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes has proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in the English top flight. The Portuguese has been a key man for Manchester United, consistently being decisive in the final third with his caliber.

Bruno Fernandes is a delight to watch when he is on the ball. The 27-year-old can create chances at will and has proven to be one of the highest scoring midfielders in Europe. For the Red Devils, he has already scored 44 goals and provided 31 assists.

The attacking midfielder is also the designated set-piece taker for the Red Devils. He is extremely dangerous from corners or free-kicks due to his ability to find his teammates with perfect crosses. In his short tenure, Bruno has shown immense quality to be one of the best set-piece specialists in recent times.

#3 Paul Scholes

Manchester United v Bolton Wanderers - Premier League

Paul Scholes is one of the greatest midfielders of all time to have ever played in the English top flight. Even legends like Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo had only praise for the midfielder.

Scholes was one of the footballers in the famed 'Class of 92' batch coming up from Manchester United's academy. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, he shined the brightest among them and left an incredible mark at Old Trafford.

Scholes racked up 711 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 152 goals and providing 74 assists.

Scholes was also known for his set-pieces, which used to put the defending team in jeopardy. He was known for his pin-point accuracy and power from set-pieces, which was a lesson for players like Cristiano Ronaldo.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League

One of the players with the most active free-kicks to his name is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend climbed to the top during his tenure at Manchester United. He has now returned to his former club in the summer transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo is undisputedly one of Sir Alex Ferguson's best students as the legendary coach has himself claimed many a times. With 124 goals and 69 assists, the Portuguese great is still racking up numbers for United.

Although he is currently inconsistent with free-kicks, Ronaldo was a sensational free-kick scorer in his earlier stint at Old Trafford. He knew how to score free-kicks from anywhere due to his power and the ability to bend the ball both ways. His famous knuckle ball used to leave goalkeepers rooted to the spot, much to the amazement of his fans.

Ronaldo is of course a penalty specialist, hardly missing a few in his career.

#1 David Beckham

Manchester United '99 Legends v FC Bayern Legends

'Bend it like Beckham' - there is even a film dedicated to the unique trait of David Beckham. It comes as no surprise because no one else for Manchester United can make the ball move as much as Beckham did in his career.

David Beckham was known for his set-pieces, especially his ability to put vicious balls into the box. He knew how to swing the ball like no one else and scored some absolute screamers from absurd angles.

Beckham was another member of the famed 'Class of 92' who was pivotal for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. He racked up 85 goals and 101 assists for the Red Devils before deciding to move to Real Madrid.