Top 5 players to play for both Real Madrid and Manchester United

RC Deportivo La Coruna v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
RC Deportivo La Coruna v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

#3 Ruud van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy was one of the most prolific goalscorers in United's history
Van Nistelrooy was one of the most prolific goalscorers in United's history

Ruud van Nistelrooy is another player who has played for both Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Van Nistelrooy joined Manchester United in 2001 and was one of the most prolific goalscorers in the club's history, netting 150 goals in 219 appearances during his time at the club.

But the striker left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid in 2006 following a bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson on the final day of the 2005-06 season.

Nistelrooy excelled at Real Madrid too as he went on to score 53 goals in his first two seasons in Spain, winning back-to-back La Liga titles.

He scored 64 goals in 96 games for Real Madrid in total but started to struggle with injuries towards the end of his Madrid career and was subsequently sold by the club to Hamburg in 2010.


#2 David Beckham

Beckham rose through the ranks at Manchester United
Beckham rose through the ranks at Manchester United

Part of the famous class of '92, Beckham came through the ranks at Manchester United and announced himself to the world with that famous goal against Wimbledon.

The Manchester United academy graduate had a stellar career at Old Trafford and played a starring role in United's historic treble success in 1998-99, but in 2003, the temptation of a special Galacticos side assembled by Florentino Perez was hard to turn down for him following a bust-up with Alex Ferguson.

Beckham impressed for both Real Madrid and Manchester United, but his trophy haul at United was much greater than that at Madrid.

At Manchester United, Beckham won six Premier League titles and one Champions League while at Real Madrid he managed to win just one Super Cup and one La Liga title in his 4 years at the club.

Despite that, Beckham is appreciated at Real Madrid and at Old Trafford he is considered a true legend.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo established himself as one of the greatest of all time at Real Madrid
Ronaldo established himself as one of the greatest of all time at Real Madrid

Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 as a direct replacement for David Beckham. He became one of the best players in the world at Old Trafford under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson.

But in 2009, the forward went public and expressed his desire to move to the Bernabeu. Despite Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to not let him go, Manchester United accepted a bid of £80 million for the Portuguese international.

Ronaldo's game in Spain went to a whole new level as he scored 438 goals in 450 appearances, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during his nine years at the club.

Ronaldo has always kept Manchester United close to his heart and has spoken fondly of the club on various occasions even after his departure. He is a club legend for both Real Madrid and Manchester United and his name will always be cherished by both set of supporters.

Quick Links