Our definitive list of the ten best Manchester United players ever.
10. Dennis Law 1962 – 1973
After originally starting out with cross city rivals City, Law went on to firmly become a United legend thanks to his goalscoring exploits as well as his trickery and ability to spark a game into life out of nowhere.
Following 11 glorious years at Old Trafford he wound down his career back at City but if most commonly remembered in a red shirt. He also boated a fine record at international level too, but his 171 goals in just over 300 appearances for the Red Devils meant that he was one of the deadliest strikers in the country.
9. Peter Schmeichel 1991 – 99
The great Dane was probably the finest goalkeeper in the country during the ’90s and nobody commanded the penalty area like he did.
Was there for all of the club’s domestic dominance during the ’90s and even capped off the decade with a well earned Champions League victory. Sadly, though, he could not replicate the goalscoring exploits of his earlier career.
8. Roy Keane 1993 – 2005
Perhaps the most influential of United’s ‘captain marvels’ as he wore the armband undisputedly throughout the club’s most successful period.
Often thought of as a thug, those who watched him knew his as nothing but a warrior who gave his all to the cause and refused to accept second best in anything he did. He turned in a breathtaking performances during the semi final of the Champions League in 1999 even though he knew he was going to miss the final through suspension – deserved a better send off from the club when he left.
7. Bobby Charlton 1956 – 1973
One of the original ‘Busby Babes’ that survived the Munich air disaster, he went on to be one of the club’s most iconic figures and is perhaps the man that most fans think of, behind Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, when they think of United.
Set England’s all time goalscoring record whilst at the club, and spent nearly 20 years playing for the Red Devils through a successful period that had him as one of the greatest strikers this country has ever produced.
6. Eric Cantona 1992 – 97
It’s hard to believe that Cantona only cost the club a meagre £1.6m back in 1992, but without him there is a good possibility that they could not have been anywhere near the force that they were had he not played for them.
Stylish, skilful, egotistical and always philosophical, his time in a United shirt was everything but boring and he was often the spearhead of the club’s success. Retired too soon.
5. David Beckham 1993 – 2003
Sadly, Beckham is now predominantly seen as a celebrity rather than the technically excellent footballer that he was for United for ten years.
Part of the ‘Class of ’92’ that graduated the club’s academy, his success was often belittled by his off the field antics with his popstar wife. But lest we forget, he has given us a plethora of iconic events and romantic images thanks to his heroics for both club and country.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo 2003 – 09
He may have only played for the club for six years, but he is the only United player on this list to bag 42 goals in a single season and it is a feat that will most likely stand for some time to come.
Now one of the best players in the world, his ability and stardom would not be anywhere near as high as it is without his education at the club under the wing of Sir Alex Ferguson and he has the team and personal awards to prove it.
3. George Best 1963 – 1974
Quite possibly the original footballing playboy. The Northern Irishman had a natural charisma that grew off the field as his talent grew on it.
His skills were dazzling and were something that had never been seen before at the time and he held an incredible scoring record for a winger. He wracked up over 500 appearances for the club over an 11 year period and is now fondly remembered for the amazing talent that he was for the club.
2. Paul Scholes 1993 – 2011, 2012 – 13
‘The Ginger Prince’ was apparently the only player that left Cristiano Ronaldo speechless in training and his quiet nature often meant that he was overlooked for all of the good work he did.
His passing and shooting ability were beyond reproach and those skills were matched only by his vision. Winning everything there was to win in the game, he just couldn’t help himself but to come out of retirement for a season in order to win another title.
1. Ryan Giggs – 1990 –
Having broke into the first team over 20 years ago, it’s a testament to his character and ability that he is still going and even playing regularly.
Blessed with electric pace, an eye for a killer pass and even a good pair of shooting boots, he began his career as the most exciting winger in the game, only to convert into a more central role in his twilight years. He is one of the most decorated players in the game and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in the managerial hotseat at Old Trafford one day.