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Manchester United is known as the Theatre of Dreams and rightfully so! It's a dream for many a youngster to play at Old Trafford as a Red Devil. One of the most prestigious clubs in the world, United has been the home of some of the greatest stars of the game.
Manchester United's rich heritage, fan following and fame usually make the players want to stay there for the long term. While the 20-time EPL champs have been involved in numerous record-breaking transfers, they have often housed players who were committed to the club until the twilight of their careers or retirement. Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, the list goes on...
However, following their long-term manager Alex Ferguson's departure, Manchester United experienced a complete collapse. The club has gone through multiple managerial/player transitions since then and are seemingly on their way back to the top right now.
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The same has resulted in many players coming and going in quick succession in recent years. Despite this, there remain a few names that's been tied to United for a long time. On the same note, let's take a look at:
5 longest-serving players in Manchester United's current squad.
#5 Luke Shaw (since July 1, 2014)
Sir Alex Ferguson's farewell set off shockwaves transition across the team and the club was left with multiple voids to fill. Luke Shaw's arrival was to fullfil one such void.
The England international had big shoes to fill as Manchester United's left back position was vacated by their long-term star wing-back — Patrice Evra.
Shaw had come up through Southampton's youth squad ranks. Being a regular face in the club's U/18 competitions at the age of 15 was no ordinary feat.
The youngest defender to play in the Premier League in Southampton's history — Luke Shaw earned an invitation to Manchester United in the 2014 summer transfer window. He remains one of the most experienced players in the squad and is expected to join the team after a full recovery from a recent injury.
#4 Jesse Lingard - (since July 1, 2014)
Jesse Lingard's stint with Manchester United has been a topsy-turvy one. The 28-year-old has been with the club since joining the youth setup.
Lingard was sent on loan to West Ham United last season after indifferent form where he was re-united with his and Manchester United's former gaffer David Moyes.
Before leaving for West Ham, Jesse Lingard was subject to harsh criticism from the club's former players and ultras. Things changed for the better while he was with the Hammers. Lingard was directly involved in 13 goals (9 goals & 4 assists) in 16 games during last season.
He has now returned to Manchester United and expects to play regular football once again.
#3 Juan Mata - (since Jan 24, 2014)
Juan Mata's arrival at Manchester United, after being a crucial part of Chelsea's core team that won back-to-back European trophies (2012 Champions League & 2013 Europa League), came as a surprise for many.
Things had taken a bad turn for the Spaniard at Chelsea following Jose Mourinho's arrival. The former Real Madrid coach left Mata on the bench as he favored Oscar.
Manchester United used this opportunity to grab the 2010 World Cup winner in the very next transfer window. In January, Chelsea agreed to sell Juan Mata for €46 million (then a club-record fee for the Blues).
His experience and skillset boosted Manchester United's midfield and Mata enjoyed a fine tenure at Old Trafford that continues to date. Despite Mata being re-united with Mourinho, his major reason for leaving Chelsea for Manchester United, the duo enjoyed a peaceful relationship.
On 2 July 2021, Mata penned a new contract that ties him to the club until July 2022.
#2 Phil Jones - (since July 1, 2011)
Born in Preston, Phil Jones joined Blackburn Rovers as a boy. A club with which he also started his professional career. Phil Jones joined Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in 2011 and his signing has an uncanny similarity to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Just like the Portuguese, Phil Jones too impressed United's then boss Ferguson in a pre-season friendly. The Scottish boss lauded Jones' leadership abilities and composure as a center-back and offered him a chance at the Theatre of Dreams.
After Fergie's exit, Phil Jones remained in the club. Injuries have seen him out of action for a long time now and after Raphael Varane's entry, Jones will surely fell down the pecking order further. But Manchester United have made it clear that they have no intention of letting go of the player who's been with them for almost a decade now.
#1 David de Gea - (since July 1, 2011)
The Madrid-native is one of those players who had to grind really hard to make it to the top. Having begun his career with Atletico B, David de Gea earned a spot in the senior team in 2009.
He remained at the Vicente Calderón Stadium for just two seasons as de Gea was roped in by Manchester United, who were desperately looking for star goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar's replacement. For de Gea, who was dubbed Van der Gea, it was a dream come true.
The Spaniard almost joined La Liga juggernaut Real Madrid ahead of the 2015-16 season but the infamous 'fax-machine error', as is hilariously known in the football world, prevented a return to his hometown.
De Gea has remained Manchester United's number one since then despite various ups and downs.
