Key Takeaways
- Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in world football, with many legendary footballers representing them in their history.
- We have ranked their 25 greatest footballers ever, featuring big names including David Beckham, Roy Keane and George Best.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked outside the top 10, showcasing just how many legendary players have turned out for Man United.
Manchester United, one of the most decorated clubs in world football, boast a rich history brimming with legendary footballers. Their status as the biggest club in the Premier League has attracted some of world football's biggest stars to Old Trafford, while they have also produced some of the best talents British football has ever seen.
From the Busby Babes to the Class of '92 and beyond, we've seen many greats grace the Theatre of Dreams turf, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Bobby Charlton, Roy Keane, and countless others. Assembling a list of the 25 greatest players to ever don the famous red jersey was no easy feat. Nevertheless, the most illustrious players in United's history have been ranked based on several ranking factors.
Ranking factors
- Games played for Man United
- Goals
- Assists
- Trophies
- Importance to the Team
25 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Man Utd appearances: 366
Solskjaer, fondly known as the "Baby-Faced Assassin," was a talismanic figure at United. Scoring 126 goals in 366 appearances, he always seemed to come through when it mattered the most, and his legend was cemented when he scored the injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final, completing the historic Treble for United.
Known for his ability to read the game and make well-timed runs, he was a super-sub, often coming off the bench to score crucial goals. His work rate, humility, and loyalty to the club epitomised the United spirit, and while he may have tarnished his reputation with a less-than-stellar stint as manager, he's still a Man United legend.
24 Patrice Evra
Man Utd appearances: 379
Evra was a charismatic left-back, featuring 379 times for United while providing a consistent presence and much-needed energy on the left flank. His professionalism, leadership, and tenacity on the field contributed to him winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
Evra's defensive prowess was equally matched by his attacking contributions, with his overlapping runs and dangerous crosses creating many scoring opportunities for United's top-tier forwards. His infectious personality off the field and passion for the club endeared him to fans worldwide, and he remains one of the best defenders in Premier League history to this day.
23 Michael Carrick
Man Utd appearances: 464
When it comes to discussing the best holding-midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, Michael Carrick's name is often overlooked, but he's definitely deserving of a place in that conversation. The England international, with 464 appearances for United, was a calm and composed presence in the heart of the engine room. His passing range, intelligence, and ability to read the game were instrumental in dictating the tempo of matches.
Carrick was often the unsung hero, quietly breaking up opposition attacks and launching United's offensive moves. His consistency, composure under pressure, and ability to deliver in big games were critical to United's dominance in the late 2000s, allowing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney to flourish in attack.
22 David Beckham
Man Utd appearances: 394
Due to his status as one of the world's most famous people, fans often forget just how brilliant of a footballer David Beckham was. In his 394 appearances for United, he scored 85 goals and supplied 120 assists, with his pinpoint crosses and free-kicks becoming a signature of United's attacking play.
A key member of the famous Class of '92, Beckham's blend of glamour and grit was instrumental in United's golden era, including the 1999 treble-winning season. His incredible range of passing, deadly set-pieces, and relentless work ethic, coupled with his global superstar status, make Beckham a true United icon. He really showed what it meant to play for the biggest club in the world.
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21 Tommy Taylor
Man Utd Appearances: 191
Tommy Taylor was a prolific striker for Man United, known for his extraordinary goalscoring ability and powerful heading. His aerial prowess, combined with his quickness and tactical intelligence, made him one of the most feared forwards of his generation. Taylor joined United in 1953 from Barnsley and quickly established himself as a lethal finisher, but was great at bringing others into play too.
In his five years at the club, he scored an impressive 131 goals in 191 appearances, boasting a remarkable goals-to-games ratio. Taylor was sadly a victim of the Munich Air Disaster, but despite his short career, his impact at United was profound.
20 Roger Byrne
Man Utd appearances: 280
Roger Byrne was an integral part of the Busby Babes, serving as the captain during the team's rise to prominence in the mid-1950s. His leadership, combined with his intelligent play and versatility, made him one of the key figures in the team. Byrne was a left-back but could play in multiple positions due to his extensive understanding of the game.
His career, tragically cut short in the Munich Air Disaster, saw him make 280 appearances for the club, contributing 20 goals from 1951 to 1958. Byrne won three First Division titles with United, making him one of the greatest Man United players of all time.
19 Norman Whiteside
Man Utd appearances: 278
The versatile Whiteside, who scored 68 goals in 278 appearances, was known for his physical strength, technical skills, and knack for scoring crucial goals, including a memorable FA Cup final winner in 1985. He lifted the historic English cup twice during his United career, becoming the Red Devils' youngest player since Duncan Edwards during the cup final in 1983, but he was then sold to Everton in 1989.
Despite having his career cut short by injury at the age of 26, Whiteside left a significant impact at the club, and would have ranked higher on this list had he been able to play more games for the Manchester club.
18 Ruud van Nistelrooy
Man Utd appearances: 219
Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy was a master finisher, scoring 150 goals in just 219 appearances for United. His goalscoring exploits, characterised by deadly finishing and predatory instincts inside the box, made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.
Van Nistelrooy's goals were instrumental in United's successes during the early 2000s, including the 2002-03 Premier League title-winning season. His remarkable goals-to-games ratio underscores his importance in the club's illustrious history, but he left the club under a cloud in the summer of 2006 after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson. Had he chosen to remain, he might have been higher in this ranking.
17 Mark Hughes
Man Utd appearances: 467
With 467 appearances across two spells at the club, Hughes was a powerful presence upfront, netting 163 goals. He was famed for his strength, aggression, and exceptional finishing ability, and his impressive talent to hold up the ball brought his teammates into play.
A certified Premier League hardman, Hughes was a crucial figure in United's resurgence under Sir Alex Ferguson, contributing significantly to two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a Cup Winners' Cup. That was all until he went on to manage arch-rivals Man City, a move which somewhat spoiled his legacy at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, his contributions make him a club icon.
16 Nemanja Vidic
Man Utd appearances: 300
Serbian powerhouse Vidic was the embodiment of a traditional hard-tackling centre-back, making 300 appearances for United. His bravery, combative nature, and excellent reading of the game made him a formidable presence in United's defence, with him never afraid to put his body in harm's way for his team.
Forming one of the best defensive partnerships in Premier League history with Rio Ferdinand, Vidic's resilience and leadership were pivotal to United's success, including five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. A key part of one of United's most impressive eras under Sir Alex Ferguson, the centre-back is still considered by many as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League era.
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15 Dennis Law
Man Utd appearances: 404
Scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances, 'The King' Denis Law was a charismatic figure upfront. His razor-sharp instincts in front of goal, acrobatic volleys, and flamboyant celebrations made him a crowd favourite during his 13 years of service at Old Trafford.
A third of the famous United Trinity, Law remains one of the only United players to have won the Ballon d'Or, an honour he achieved back in 1964. A two-time First Division champion and FA Cup winner in 1962/63, Law was unfortunately sidelined for United's famous European Cup final success in 1968, although Sir Matt Busby would bring the trophy to his hospital bed following the Red Devils' win against Benfica. Law would remain at the club until 1973, at which time he then rejoined Manchester City.
14 Peter Schmeichel
Man Utd appearances: 398
Nicknamed the 'Great Dane,' Schmeichel made 398 appearances for United. His shot-stopping skills, dominant presence, and accurate distribution from the back-transformed the role of a goalkeeper, and made him one of the best goalkeepers to ever play the game.
Schmeichel was instrumental in United's successes during the '90s, including five Premier League titles and the historic 1999 Treble. Keeping 180 clean sheets during his eight years at Old Trafford is some achievement, and one that earns him a place in both United and English top flight history books. Even a year at rivals Man City does not diminish what he accomplished while at Old Trafford.
13 Gary Neville
Man Utd appearances: 602
Neville, a one-club man, epitomised loyalty and commitment, making 602 appearances for United. An ever-reliable right-back, his defensive skills and understanding of the game were instrumental in United's success, while his attacking talents and crossing ability meant he was no slouch going forward.
He was a key figure during United's dominance in the late '90s and early '00s, and his partnership with David Beckham on the right flank is still remembered fondly. With eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, Neville is one of the most decorated English players of all time, and his significant trophy haul play a large part in his position here.
12 Duncan Edwards
Man Utd appearances: 177
Despite his tragically short career, Duncan Edwards left an indelible mark on Manchester United. A truly versatile player who was most at home in the middle of the park, Edwards could play virtually anywhere on the pitch, and he made 177 appearances for the club, showcasing his immense talent.
Powerful, technically gifted, and possessing a footballing brain beyond his years, Edwards was considered by many as one of the greatest talents England had ever produced. The Munich Air Disaster cut his life and career short at the age of 21, but his legacy remains at Old Trafford as one of the side's greatest prospects.
11 Cristiano Ronaldo
Man Utd appearances: 346
Cristiano Ronaldo's rise to global superstardom began at United. In his first stint at the club, the Portuguese made 292 appearances, scoring 118 goals and developing into one of the world's best players. Ronaldo was a complete forward, combining speed, skill, and an incredible goalscoring ability.
He was a key figure in United's three consecutive Premier League titles from 2006-2009 and their 2008 Champions League victory. His performances in the United shirt earned him his first Ballon d'Or, and he left an undeniable mark on the club's history, and would have ranked higher on this list had his peak, which came at Real Madrid, had been while he was at United.
| Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United stats | |
|---|---|
| Games | 346 |
| Goals | 145 |
| Assists | 64 |
| Cards | 55 (51 yellow cards, four red cards) |
| Trophies | 9 |
10 Rio Ferdinand
Man Utd appearances: 455
One of United's finest defenders, Rio Ferdinand, appeared 455 times for the club. His elegant style of play, footballing intelligence, and defensive solidity were key to United's success during his tenure.
His commanding presence at the back and his partnership with Vidic were the bedrock of United's defense, leading to six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his stint at the club. He's not only one of the best players to have ever played for Man United, but one of the best players to have ever played in the Premier League too. Some fans would say that they are still struggling to replace the England international, depsite his last game being played nearly a decade ago now.
9 Steve Bruce
Man Utd appearances: 414
Steve Bruce, a tough-tackling and courageous center-back, served as the club's captain after being signed from Norwich City and led by example. The Englishman made 414 appearances for United, scoring an impressive 51 goals for a defender. He was a leader and a warrior on the pitch, instrumental in United's early Premier League successes in 1993, 1994 and 1996, as well as two FA Cup triumphs.
Forming a tremendous partnership with Gary Pallister, his never-say-die attitude and commitment to the club were central to United's philosophy under Sir Alex Ferguson, and his performance in the 1994 FA Cup final against Chelsea helped to underline the Scottish manager's status as a football genius.
8 Paul Scholes
Man Utd appearances: 718
With 155 goals in 718 appearances, Scholes was one of United's most influential midfielders in English football history. His vision, passing range, and goalscoring abilities played a significant role in United's success, with many of his colleagues recognising him as one of the best midfielders of all time.
His ability to control the tempo of games and his exceptional long-range shooting ability set him apart from the rest. A key member of the Class of '92, Scholes embodied the ethos of United, and enjoyed a trophy-ladened career at the club which included 11 league titles, three FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues too. Not a bad haul.
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7 Eric Cantona
Man Utd appearances: 185
Eric Cantona, the charismatic Frenchman, was the catalyst for United's success in the early Premier League era. In 185 appearances, he netted 82 goals and provided 62 assists, with his flair, creativity, and technical brilliance transforming United into a dominant force.
His iconic collar-up swagger, combined with his exquisite skills and knack for the spectacular, earned him the nickname "King Eric." Cantona's role in United's first Premier League title win and the subsequent successes established him as a club legend and fan favourite. It says a lot that he is this high despite only playing for the Red Devils for five years.
6 Wayne Rooney
Man Utd appearances: 559
United fans knew they had a player on their hands as soon as Wayne Rooney stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch, and his extraordinary talent and tenacity saw him become United's all-time top scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances. It will take some doing for anybody to break that record.
From a fiery teenager to club captain, Rooney's journey at United was eventful and successful. His versatility, technical ability, work rate, and passion for the club were second to none. The Englishman was instrumental in winning numerous titles, including five Premier League trophies and the Champions League in 2008.
