5 greatest Manchester United strikers of all time

Manchester United is big club with a successful history. They have won every trophy that a football club could possibly lay their hands on.

Some of the world's best players have been a part of the English giants, and have graced it with their excellent performances. In recent times, Manchester United have not been a consistent outfit, but there is no denying that top players still want to play for the club.

Five greatest Manchester United strikers of all time

Some incredible strikers have scored mind-boggling number of goals for this historic club, etching their names in the club's illustrious history. On that note, let's have a look at the five greatest strikers to have turned up for Manchester United.

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#5 Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy was a prolific striker.

One of the best strikers in the world during his prime, Ruud van Nistelrooy was a prolific forward who scored goals for fun.

The Netherlands international scored 77 goals in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven, which prompted Manchester United to spend £25.5 million in 2001 to acquire his services.

Van Nistelrooy proved to be an instant hit, scoring on his Manchester United debut against arch-rivals Liverpool in the Charity Shield.

Van Nistelrooy made 219 appearances in all competitions across five seasons for Manchester United, scoring 150 goals. He won the Premier League once and secured the Premier League Golden Boot in 2002-03. He departed the club in acrimonious circumstances, though, joining La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2006.

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#4 Andy Cole

Andy Cole

Andy Cole is the third-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, a testament to his longevity and quality at the highest level.

A product of the Arsenal academy, Cole made his name at Newcastle United. The England international scored 68 goals in 84 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies before joining Manchester United in 1995 for a then-British record transfer fee of £7 million.

Cole enjoyed a very productive stint with Manchester United, with his forward partnership with Dwight Yorke key to the club's success.

Andy Cole played 275 games for the Old Trafford outfit, scoring 121 goals. He was part of the Manchester United team that won the continental treble in 1999 before departing the club in 2001 to join Blackburn Rovers.

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#3 Denis Law

Denis Law enjoyed a top spell with Manchester United.

Denis Law made appearances for both Manchester United and Manchester City during his storied career. But it was his spell with the red half of Manchester that stands out.

The third-highest goalscorer in the club's history, Law joined the Red Devils from Torino in 1962. The Scotland international was a consistent goalscorer for Manchester United, making 404 appearances in all competitions and scoring 237 goals.

Law won the Ballon d'Or award in 1964 and won the Football League First Division twice with Manchester United. He left the club in 1973 to return to Manchester City.

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#2 Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is the manager of Derby County.

Manchester United's all-time top goalscorer, Wayne Rooney enjoyed a stellar career with the club.

A prodigious talent, Rooney was signed by Manchester United in 2004 from Everton for £33.3 million, which raised eyebrows. However, Rooney scored a hat-trick on his Manchester United debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, and it was evident that the youngster was destined for greatness.

While his Manchester United career was not short of controversies, the England international was a consistent performer on the field.

He made 559 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 253 goals. In his later years at Manchester United, Rooney was often utilised in midfield due to his all-round play. He is currently the manager of Championship side Derby County.

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#1 Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona is an iconic figure at Manchester United.

'King Eric' is an iconic player who enjoys legendary status at Manchester United.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided to sign Eric Cantona from Leeds United in 1992. That proved to be an inspired move.

Cantona transformed Manchester United, both on the field and off the field. A creative, goalscoring forward, Cantona was one of Manchester United's most important players during his time at the club.

Apart from his contributions on the field, Cantona brought tenacity, determination and a certain swagger to Old Trafford.

The France international made 185 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, scoring 82 goals. He won the Premier League four times.

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