We rank the most talented football players who’ve played for Manchester United, from 1956-now.
Last Updated: 15/05/23 at 11:55
Over the years, Man United has seen many great players come and go; some have gone on to make footballing history. But who’s the greatest player that’s graced Old Trafford?
We round up 10 of the best footballers who’ve played for Manchester United over the past 60+ years.
George Best
1963-1974 | Apps: 361 | Goals: 137 | Major honours: 5
The mercurial Northern Irishman is renowned for making the number 7 shirt as prestigious as it is today. Scorer in the extra-time win against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup Final, Best’s masterful individual performances earned him UEFA’s Ballon d’Or in the same year.
Sir Bobby Charlton
1956-1973 | Apps: 758 | Goals: 249 | Major honours: 9
Sir Bobby’s 249 United goals are only bettered by Wayne Rooney, and his 758 appearances are only bettered by Ryan Giggs. He captained Man Utd to European glory in 1968 and won the Ballon d’Or in 1966 - a famous year for all Englishmen.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs made his @ManUtd debut 3️⃣1️⃣ years ago against Everton at Old Trafford 🔴⚪⚫ pic.twitter.com/ls1ZAjBCkn
— Ryan Giggs (@RyanGiggs_cc) March 2, 2022
1991-2014 | Apps: 963 | Goals: 168 | Major honours: 36
With a staggering 13 Premier League medals to his name, Ryan Giggs’ longevity is exemplified in his 36 major honours for the Red Devils. He holds the record for most appearances for Man Utd and lifted two Champions League trophies along the way.
Eric Cantona
1992-1997 | Apps: 185 | Goals: 82 | Major honours: 9
The Frenchman won 4 Premier League titles in 5 years with United with some memorable goals, such as that chip against Sunderland in 1996. Bar a moment of madness at Selhurst Park, Cantona was a fan favourite, never ceasing to amaze with his capabilities on the ball.
Paul Scholes
1994-2011, 2012-13 | Apps: 718 | Goals: 155 | Major honours: 25
With 10 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League titles to his name, Paul Scholes was a stalwart of the United midfield throughout his career. A mastermind of the game, Scholes’ rocket of a right foot led to 155 goals for United.
Cristiano Ronaldo
My 2nd Premier League Player Of The Month Award, the 6th in my career. I’m as happy to win today as I was in my early days, the hunger for victory and achievements never fades away. Thanks to everyone that made this possible. 🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/euYaSsHlBG
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 12, 2022
2003-2009 | Apps: 292 | Goals: 118 | Major honours: 9
One of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest signings, Cristiano Ronaldo’s six-year spell with United saw him win 3 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League in 2008. Ronaldo won two consecutive PFA Players’ Player of the Year Awards, becoming only the second player to do so.
Wayne Rooney
2004-2017 | Apps: 559 | Goals: 253 | Major honours: 16
Man Utd’s all-time leading goal scorer with 253 goals, Rooney won 5 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League in his 13-year United career. From his hat trick scoring debut against Fenerbache to his overhead kick in the Manchester Derby, Rooney achieved it all during his time at United.
Dennis Law
1962-1973 | Apps: 404 | Goals: 237 | Major honours: 3
Man Utd’s third all-time scorer with 237 goals, Law was one-third of the Holy Trinity alongside Charlton and Best. He won two First Division titles and 1 European Cup and famously didn’t celebrate when scoring for City against United in 1974.
Peter Schmeichel
1991-1999 | Apps: 398 | Goals: 1 | Major honours: 15
The Great Dane’s role in the treble-winning side of 1999 will impart him into United folklore; his commanding displays lead the team to victory. 15 major honours in 8 years show the impact he had on Sir Alex’s United team.
Gary Neville
1992-2011 | Apps: 602 | Goals: 7 | Major honours: 20
A loyal Manchester United servant, Gary Neville played a huge role in United’s dominance in the past 3 decades. He amassed 602 appearances, making the right-back position his own. Never afraid to get in the face of his opponents, Neville’s passion for the red of Manchester United is unrivalled.
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