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#2 Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton has a different place in the history books. He is one of the survivors of Manchester United's tragic Munich air disaster in 1958. The legendary footballer rose to become a significant chapter in the Red Devils' history. He was the talisman for his club and country, helping them on their way to numerous titles during his years.
Charlton was the record top scorer for Manchester United, with 249 goals and England with 49 goals. He was, however, surpassed by another legend, Wayne Rooney, on both the lists. He had all the traits of a great goalscorer, from instinct to prolific finishing, which made him truly a nightmare for the defenders.
In addition to being a sensational attacker, Charlton was also a great passer and was gifted with technical proficiency on the ball. The Englishman helped Manchester United to numerous trophies including three English championships and a European Cup.
Charlton helped England win the FIFA World Cup in 1966, which is their first and only World Cup triumph in history. For his majestic displays, the legendary forward was awarded the Ballon d'Or award that very year.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
It is extremely hard to keep Cristiano Ronaldo out while compiling any list of Manchester United's greatest ever players. The Portuguese great has stamped his authority everywhere he has played, even on the Ballon d'Or podium over the years.
Following his transfer from Sporting to Manchester United in 2003, Cristiano took the Premier League by storm. He rose to prominence under Sir Alex Ferguson's guidance to become one of the best in the world. The Portuguese's daunting forward runs from the left was a nightmare for even the most organized opposition. He dislodged defenses with utter ease.
In addition to his extravagant skillset, Ronaldo was especially effective up front in the last three years of his first stint at Old Trafford. The legendary left-winger helped United rack up three consecutive Premier League titles from 2007 to 2009, winning the coveted Ballon d'Or in 2008.
Ronaldo has won four more Ballon d'Or awards since then, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of the game. But his first Ballon d'Or award was special and arguably his best year. He helped Manchester United rack up five trophies in 2008.
Following his stints at Real Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo has again returned to his former club in the summer of 2021. Till date, the Portuguese has racked up 127 goals and 70 assists for the Red Devils.
