Ranking Manchester United's 5 best captains of all time

#3 Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce for Manchester United

In the late 1980s, Manchester United raided Norwich City to get their first-choice centre-back Steve Bruce for a meager €1.2million. The transfer bolstered United greatly in the 1987-88 campaign, giving them a leg to stand on against stronger opponents.

Bruce was quick to strike up a partnership with Gary Pallister and went on to deliver memorable trophies down the road.

Bruce was not the most physically intimidating player on the pitch, but he was surely a handful for forwards. He was exceptional in the air, could tackle as his life depended on it, and occasionally popped up with decisive goals.

Bruce famously scored two decisive goals against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1992-93 season, which led to Manchester United’s first league title in 26 years.

Bruce, who became captain after Robson’s departure in 1991, led United to a "double-double" of Premier League and FA Cup wins in 1993-94 and 1995-96.

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#2 Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton for Manchester United

No discussion of Manchester United captains can be completed without mentioning the great Sir Bobby Charlton. He survived the tragic Munich disaster in 1958 and voluntarily led the rebuilding process over the next decade.

One of the “Busby Babes,” Charlton was not handed the armband right away, as the club did not believe he was up for it. However, through determination and steely performances week in, week out, Charlton earned the right to be named captain of Manchester United in 1967.

Unsurprisingly, Manchester United enjoyed an exceptional campaign, winning the European Cup at the end of the season.

Charlton, who scored 249 goals in 758 appearances, was named European Footballer of the Year in 1966. The majestic forward led the club until his retirement at the end of the 1972-73 campaign.

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#1 Roy Keane

Roy Keane for Manchester United

Many exceptional men have led Manchester United over the years, but Roy Keane somehow eclipses them all, by a distance. In many ways, the Irishman was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of Manchester United. He was proud, determined, famished, and always prepared to bleed for the cause.

Keane’s temperament used to get him in trouble more often than not, but the midfielder was much more than an outlaw. He was an exceptional dribbler, could score when he wanted to, and could tackle even the strongest forwards out of the game.

Keane won the famous Manchester United armband following Eric Cantona’s retirement in 1997 and he repaid the faith by leading Manchester United to their first treble.

The 1998-99 treble winner made 480 appearances for the club, winning 17 trophies.