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Founded in 1878, Newton Heath FYR renamed to Manchester United, and affectionately became known as “Red Devils” by its fans - have always enjoyed an unrivaled dominance over the English football since its inception having won a record 20 league titles and 12 FA Cups among other trophies.
However, like every major team, Manchester United too had to go through a rough patch in its history when in 1958, the infamous Munich Air Disaster claimed the lives of 8 of the players of then invincible squad coached by the legendary Matt Bubsy. The squad made an amazing comeback in the next decade, and with the greats like Sir Bobby Charlton in the squad, became the first ever English team to lift the European Cup in 1968 – demonstrating their will to not give up even under toughest of circumstances.
Especially since the beginning of the Premier League era in 1992, the club went on a crazy winning spell and brought countless accolades consisting of 13 league titles, 5 FA cups, and a UEFA Champions League to the Old Trafford under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson, who served as their coach for 38 years before retiring in 2013. During his period, Manchester United also became the first club to win- a league, an FA Cup, and a European Cup in the 1998-99 season, hence, becoming the first and only English club till date to finish a “treble”. In 2008, the club also achieved the feat of being “the first English club” when it won the FIFA Club World Cup
Needless to say, the club boasts of a glorious history when it comes to the players who’ve been a part of the club. From George Best to Sir Bobby Charlton, to the modern-day gems like – Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United has continuously given the world football some of the finest players of their generation who’ve made the club as it is today.
In this list, we would try listing out the best 10 of countless such players who have left a special mark in the hearts of every United fan and on the hallowed pitch of the legendary Old Trafford.
10. Peter Schimel
The intimidating goal-keeper captain stood at 6 ft 3 inches and was extremely quick and agile on his reflexes. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, Schimel made 402 appearances for Manchester United and won 5 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups and 1 Champions League among other trophies.
He was also known for having a vocal presence on the pitch through open criticism of his defenders, and also, for his occasional penalties which got him 11 goals throughout his career – a rare feat for a goalkeeper.
9. Roy Keane
An aggressive and tactically flawless midfielder, Keane is the joint most successful Irish player of all time, having won 19 trophies, 17 of which came with Manchester United.
His competitive approach helped him flourish as a leader of the team and sustain a period of constant success. In 2004, he was also named in FIFA 100 greatest living players. Keane made 481 appearances for United and scored 51 goals.
8. David Beckham
Easily the most iconic Englishman to ever play the game, Beckham is regarded among the best of his generation having being named in Pele’s FIFA 100 and being FIFA World Player runner-up twice. He was known for his corners, crossings, and bending free-kicks which made him a priceless asset for his team.
In his 11 years at United, he made 398 appearances and scored on 86 occasions. He won a glittering 6 Premier Leagues, 2 FA Cups, and a Champions League with Manchester United.
7. Wayne Rooney
The record goal-scorer for both Manchester United and the English National Team, Rooney’s prowess on the pitch is undisputable when he’s at his best. He has played the role of a striker, supporting forward, and even a midfielder during his career with United.
Rooney often receives praise for combining his tactical excellence with power and speed, making him a lethal opponent to face. With Manchester United, he has won 5 Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, a Champions League, and a Europa League. He has a record 253 goals in all the appearances he made for United.
6. Paul Scholes
The single-club player for Manchester United, Scholes is many times regarded as the greatest Premier League player of all times by his teammates. Known for his tactical superiority, he was capable to swiftly alter between defensive, offensive, wing, and play-making role.
The one touted by the legendary Xavi as “the best player in his position”, Scholes made staggering 718 appearances for United and scored 155 times. He also won 11 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 2 Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester United.
5. George Best
Known as a magician dribbler, Best was a consistent goal-scorer being the club’s highest goal-scorer for five consecutive seasons.
Best also received praise for his pace, feint, two-footedness, and an almost supernatural ability to get past defenders. Off the pitch, he was noted for his long hair and lavish celebrity lifestyle.
With Manchester United, he won 2 first-divisions and one European Cup.
4. Eric Cantona
A charismatic Frenchman known for his ability to combine aggression with skills is among the legends of Manchester United. “King Eric” was a master on the pitch with his agile movements and powerful sprints as he saw surreal success during his time at the Old Trafford.
Off the pitch, he often received criticism for his poor disciplinary conduct, though, he never let those overshadow his career. He made 185 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 82 goals while winning 4 Premier Leagues and an FA Cup.
3. Ryan Giggs
Another one-club legend from the Old Trafford is Ryan Giggs- the most decorated player in the history of football. He won 13 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 3 League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, and 9 FA Community Shields.
Famed as a tricky winger who could rip open the rival defences in a blink of an eye, he holds the record of highest number of assists (271) in the Premier League history. Words fall short to describe this legend.
Giggs made a record 963 appearances and found the net on 168 occasions.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Does he even need an introduction?
The talismanic spearhead of the current Real Madrid’s offense, Ronaldo first tasted the limelight during his time at Old Trafford. One of the Sir Alex’s favorite, at Manchester United, he evolved from an erratic striker of the ball, into a beauty of a striker he is today.
In his 292 appearances for the Devils, he scored 118 goals, including several praised with a standing ovation. Also, he won 3 Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, 1 Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
At the end of the day, nothing compares the sight of Sir Bobby Charlton ferociously breaking through the opposing defenses while donning that iconic red jersey. The legend of the Red Trafford, he is arguably the most influential Manchester United player ever.
In the aftermath of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, where he barely survived, he took upon himself to rebuild the Manchester United to its former glory and played crucial roles in the club’s league victory in 1965 and eventually, a European Cup victory in 1968.
Charlton held the record of being the highest goal-scorer of the club with 249 goals in 758 appearances, before being surpassed by Wayne Rooney in 2017.
