When we talk about Manchester United, we know that we are talking about one of the biggest and the best clubs in England. Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most decorated clubs in all the sport. From their first league title in 1907, United have accomplished everything in world football. The club is one of the most talked-about clubs in the world and has the best fan following across the world.
Over the years, Old Trafford has seen countless greats come and go, their brilliance living on in all of our memories. Ballon d’Or winners, European Cup winners, league winners – the club has had some of the best in the business don the hallowed red jersey. But who are the top 5 best Manchester United players of all time? Ranking them is an extremely tough job, considering the extent of world-class players United has been blessed with. Here, we made a humble attempt to list 5 best players. If you notice someone is missing from this list, feel free to add them. Vote or re-rank this list according to whom you think is the greatest Red Devils ever.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs is an astounding left-midfielder. He holds the distinction of winning the most number of Premier League titles with 13. Giggs played his whole professional career for Manchester United. He made his proficient debut for the club in 1991 and spent the next 23 years in the Manchester United first team. Giggs has been tremendous throughout the year for the club and won every major trophy with the club. He is one of only 28 players in history to have made over 1,000 career appearances. He was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards. The feat happened in 1992 and 1993. His 1998-99 FA Cup semifinal goal against Arsenal is still one of the best goals ever scored on English soil. Towards the end of his career, Giggs modified his game to play a more central role than an out-and-out winger.
Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was part of the England team who won the 1966 FIFA World Cup. During 20 years of devoted service playing for the Red Devils, Charlton won 3 English League titles and the European Cup. Charlton was the epitome of speed and grace. His unmatched modesty, sense of fair play, and gallant attitude made him the ultimate sporting hero, admired and respected by both his team and his rivals. A 1966 ballon d’Or winner, Charlton captained the United side that won the 1968 European Cup by beating the Eusebio-led Benfica in the final. The second-highest goalscorer for United with 249 goals, Sir Bobby is one of the greatest goal scoring midfielders the game of football has ever seen.
George Best
George Best is another one of the greats of Manchester United. He spent most of his club career at Manchester United. Best scored in extra time in the European Cup final against Benfica in 1968 and capped off an excellent year by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. George is a magical talent. He is best known for his playing style, which blended with pace, skill, feints, goal scoring, and the ability to get past defenders easily. George made his debut at an age of 17 for Manchester United. He scored a total of 179 goals from 470 appearances and was the club’s top goalscorer in the league for five consecutive seasons.
Eric Cantona
A steal at £1.2 million, Eric Cantona completely changed the dynamics of the club. He has achieved immense success at Manchester United and won four Premier League titles in five years and two League and FA Cup Doubles. Cantona is nicknamed by Manchester United fans as “King Eric” and was voted as the team’s greatest ever player by Inside United magazine.
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is one of the best players the United has ever produced. A ‘Class of 92’ fellow, Scholes never played for any other club besides United. He is widely considered as one of the best midfielders of his generation and one of the greatest Manchester United players of all time. He has made 728 appearances for Manchester United and scoring 155 goals between 1991 and 2013. This modest gentleman from Oldham won 11 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, as well as 2 Champions League titles and a FIFA Club World Cup.
