Best Academy Products: 10 greatest graduates of all time from Manchester United

#1 Bobby Charlton

Bobby Charlton was probably the greatest of all the United academy products

One of the greatest of Englishmen to ever kick a ball, Bobby Charlton learnt the finer aspects of his trade at Manchester United. He joined the club as a 15-year-old after being spotted by United scout Joe Armstrong.

Within two years, the prodigious youngster from Ashington had made his debut with Matt Busby’s senior team. Charlton enjoyed a record-setting time at United, winning domestic and continental silverware while also being named as Footballer of the Year in both England and Europe.

At the international level, he was a key member of the World Cup-winning English team of 1966.

Charlton survived the Munich plane crash and was instrumental in helping rejuvenate United in the following years. Playing as an attacking midfielder or a forward, he led the entertaining United sides of the 1960s and came to be recognised as a symbol of the club.

Later, he went on to become player-manager at Preston North End before returning to Old Trafford to become a club director.