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Manchester United's successful and glorious years coincided with the formation of the "Premier League". Holding a record 13 crowns, Sir Alex Ferguson's famous Red Devils have been the team to be emulated in success and dynasty.
Manchester United's finest
Along the course of almost thirty years of Premier League football, many an iconic player has worn the red of Manchester. Here's ranking the five best players during the Premier League Era.
#5 Paul Scholes
Perhaps the single most underrated midfielder of his era, the ginger-haired Salford-born midfielder was the epitome of technical excellence and casual brilliance on the football field. A box-to-box midfield orchestrator for over two decades, Scholes was the engine room for Manchester United's "Attack Attack Attack" style of play, driving the ball forward with sharp passes and dazzling dribbles.
All across europe, Scholes is viewed as the standard bearer for roaming playmakers, chipping in with 155 goals, the best of which were majestically timed volleys, as well as over 55 assists in his two decade-long career for Manchester United. His plaudits and praisers include the likes of Xavi and Zidane who rate him as one of the very best midfielders of his generation
What's even more astonishing is that having hung up his boots in 2011, he made a remarkable comeback to win the league again, proving his timeless football ability.
#4 Ryan Giggs
The most decorated footballer in English history with a haul of 12 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups make the Legend of Giggs unforgettable. A one-club man, making over 876 appearances and scoring 159 goals for the Red Devils since his debut as a young speedy winger left winger, Giggs became Mr. Manchester United to have a storied and unrivaled career at the very top of professional football. His versatility throughout his career playing from left midfield to left forward to central midfielder speaks volumes of his footballing intelligence and technical ability to adapt with age, winning PFA Player of the year in 2009 well into his late 30s.
His most famous goal came in the 1999 FA Cup final against Arsenal, rallying and finishing on a breathtaking counter to spark wild shirt swirling celebrations all from an Arsenal penalty miss, a moment that embelished the famous Treble of 1999.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived on English shores as a gangly eighteen-year-old with raw talent in 2003 for a 12 million pound fee. He left aged 23 to Real Madrid in a record transfer fee, having won the Balon D'Or for his individual brilliance in 2007-08 netting over 42 goals as Manchester United won the Champions League and Premier League crown.
His time at Manchester United saw Ronaldo transform from a tricky winger to a devastating inside forward. He combined with Wayne Rooney and Tevez to become one of the most complete forwards of the modern game, netting 118 goals in 292 appearances for the Red Devils. The level he reached at Manchester United propelled him to the superstardom that would follow to Real Madrid and then now Juventus where he continues to be an elite professional at 36 years of age, having won the recently concluded Euro 2020 golden boot.
#2 Eric Cantona
Much ties the start of Manchester United's successes to the arrival of Eric Cantona from Leeds in 1992. The Talismanic Frenchman scored 82 goals in 182 appearances and became a fan favorite for his cool quotient and wondergoal scoring ability. The Legendary No.7 shirt was a talent who riled players and fans alike with his skill and attitude on the pitch as a dressing room leader to the Class of 92' of youthfull talent such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers. Part of the myth of Cantona was the legendary "Kung Fu" kick on a Crystal Palace in 1995 fan that saw him banned from all professional football for over 9 months and subject to suspended criminal charges. His career ended by his retirement at 30 far before many thought he would bow out, another testament to a man who lived life on his own terms, a rarity in professional football.
#1 Wayne Rooney
Manchester United and England's all-time leading goalscorer, was a prodigious talent whose consistency and fire for the game made him arguably one the best ever to wear the red of Manchester United. With a staggering 253 goals in 559 appearances, Rooney's signing as a teenager billed as the "next big thing" was more than justified, enjoying a spell of immense success winning every single trophy on offer.
His playing style constantly evolved from the young comet like striker relying on pace and finishing power, to the deeper lying role he took up as his career progressed, displaying an array of long range passing ability and attacking thinking that defined Manchester United.
