Top 10 Best Manchester United Players

When it comes to Manchester United, you're talking about one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, a team whose roster has been filled with some of the sport's most legendary players. Across the years, Old Trafford has been home to players who didn't just wear the red jersey. They defined it. Their skills, personalities, and unforgettable moments on the pitch have inspired fans around the world and created generations of loyal supporters.

This list celebrates those players, the ones who brought home league titles, who delivered in high-stakes matches, and who made wearing the United crest mean something special.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

   

   Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born February 5, 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He has collected five prestigious Ballon d'Or awards and countless major trophies over his storied career... read more

   Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Italian club Juventus and the Portugal national team. I am putting Ronaldo at the top because of his all-around ability and blistering pace, the same reasons he is superior to Lionel Messi. No player has ever had the ball skills of CR7. He creates goals for other players while still being able to score in open play with both feet and his head (has Messi got a head?). And his free kicks defy description. Let's not forget the hatful of goals he's scored as a midfielder!

   I am putting Ronaldo at the top because of his all-round ability and blistering pace, the same reason he is superior to Lionel Messi. No player has ever had the ball skills of CR7, and he creates goals for other players while still being able to score in open play with both feet and his head (has Messi got a head?). And his free kicks defy description. Let's not forget the hatfuls of goals he's gotten as a midfielder.

   I'm a bit surprised that Cantona isn't on the list. He'd be in my top 5 along with Charlton, Robson, and Giggs. The best goalkeeper is Schmeichel, who just shades Van der Sar. I have to list them separately. It's too difficult to try and make comparisons between keepers and open field players.

   I've been a United supporter since I was 13 (1966), so I can only judge players that I've seen on a regular basis since then. Do I hear a lot of wailing that Best isn't in my top 5? Yes. He was a great player, but he could be lazy and go missing for large parts of games when everything wasn't going United's way (a la Maradona). And he wouldn't be able to get the ball off my granny. This was the single biggest improvement in CR7's game when under Sir Alex: a willingness to be all over the field and to track back instead of just being a dribbling machine as he was when he arrived at Old Trafford.

   The loss of Ronaldo was the single biggest factor that led to the break in United's run of titles. The year he left, they lost the title by just 1 point, but would have won easily if he'd been there to finish some of the chances that went begging that season. And now they'd be on track for an incredible 6 titles in a row in the world's hardest football league.

   So, I've had my "Ronaldo rave" and I'm sure it's stirred up the "Best brigade." And loving it!... read more

2. Wayne Rooney

   

   Wayne Mark Rooney is a former English professional footballer who played for and captained both Manchester United and the England national team. He remains Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer and was England's record goalscorer until 2023. Following his illustrious playing career, he transitioned... read more

   A great player who United still have great things to expect from. From the age of 16, he has shown the world that he is a world-class footballer. He is the complete player. He can pass, shoot, head, he's quick and strong, and can play in midfield as well (center or wing). Still got so many records to beat.

   As with Ronaldo, he's a bit high on this list. His goal scoring is the stuff of legend, as is his United career. I actually have Rooney at 5 and Ronaldo at 8. Of course, Ronaldo could have gone on to be much higher. Rooney's Red Devil record makes him worthy of a top 5 spot.

3. Ryan Giggs

   

   Ryan Joseph Giggs is a Welsh football coach and former player. He spent his entire playing career at Manchester United, where he made a record 963 appearances and won 34 trophies. After retiring in 2014, he served as assistant manager at Manchester United and later became co-owner of Salford City.

   Giggs has been able to influence every game that he has played since he started playing for Manchester United in 1992 at the age of fourteen. He controls the midfield and rips defenses apart with his passes and runs. Giggs has won a total of 13 Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson. This man is a true legend.

   Giggs has won his 12th silverware in the Premier League, under one manager and at one club. He is a true, complete legend, number 1. You can't tell when he is in form or out of form. Man United still need him. Come next season, he will play the same football.

4. George Best

   

   George Best (May 22, 1946 - November 25, 2005) was a Northern Irish professional footballer who played as a winger, spending most of his club career at Manchester United. A highly skillful dribbler, Best is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was named European Footballer... read more

   Best was the best without a doubt. Rooney is not even in the race. Giggs is good, but not great, and Ronaldo, well, he is a contender but he will never outshine George Best. When it comes to the greatest of all time, there is only one name. George, you were the greatest then, the greatest now, and the greatest for all time!

   The fact that George Best isn't number one shows how little people nowadays respect history, focusing only on how many cups and leagues they've won. The majority of United fans probably couldn't name five people who died in Munich or even 15 players from the 1999 treble.

5. Bobby Charlton

   

   Sir Robert "Bobby" Charlton is an English footballer, regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in history. He was a key member of England's national team that won the World Cup in 1966. That same year, he was awarded the Ballon d'Or for his outstanding performance.

   Charlton being 8th just shows how inaccurate these lists are. Come on, he's the all-time leading goal scorer for club and country, as well as the player with the most appearances. How can Rooney or Keane be placed higher? It's just wrong. They're great players, but they're not on the level Charlton was.

   Charlton was one of a handful of Englishmen to lift the World Cup. I'm sorry, but this guy should be top 5 of all time, not 8th in Manchester United's list. He's a real legend, respected by every fellow professional.

   Charlton has to be the greatest Manchester United player of all time. He scored the most goals ever by a United player and was crucial in establishing United as a superpower in the '60s.

   He was a perfect attacking midfielder: strong, able to dribble, and possessing a powerful finishing ability. By far the best.

6. David Beckham

   

   David Robert Joseph Beckham (born May 2, 1975) is an English former professional footballer, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, and co-owner of Salford City. He played for Manchester United (including a loan to Preston North End), Real Madrid, AC Milan (on loan), LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain... read more

   Insanely underrated, really. His fame outside football and his love of his image tended to cast a veil over just how outstanding he was. The original Ronaldo said he could have played for Brazil. He was that good. A real golden talent. Snapped up by the best team in the world, Real Madrid, and a central part of their success in the early 2000s.

   I always recall how his stats on Football Manager 2006 were excellent, especially in the Mental attributes, meaning he was an incredibly intelligent footballer. Watch some of his crosses for Madrid, and you'll see this justified.

   Beckham is a bit high here, but I've seen him ranked way too low on most lists. If he'd stuck around a few more years, he would definitely be at least here.

   But he's at 10 or just outside the top 10 for me. My word, he was a naturally gifted player.

7. Eric Cantona

   

   As a French person, I give my opinion: Cantona was not an exceptional player. Besides, he was not selected for France when France won the World Cup. He has never been decisive when United played in the league championship. But his selfishness mixed with his love for Manchester United helped the club begin its ascent to the top.

   In the France team and all clubs where he played in France, he was not appreciated. The English league suited him better. For me, the best player of all time at Manchester United is Ryan Giggs.

   Cantona is top 5 for me. His quality was out of this world. His work ethic and determination were unmatched. The sheer grit made him a United legend, but his skill and performances solidified that.

8. Robin van Persie

   

   Robin van Persie is a Dutch coach and former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands men's national team and is considered one of the best strikers of his generation.... read more

   RVP is a fantastic player. The way he scores, his ability to run past dreaded defenders, and the way he has been creating crosses. The stuff was all there when he was at Arsenal too. But Manchester United gave him much more leeway for his talent to be displayed. A player with great class. Hope this season United regain their former glory!

   RvP, The Flying Dutchman, is an exceptional player and quite frankly one of the most entertaining to watch. I'm so glad we snagged him from Arsenal!

   Van Persie and Van Nistelrooy are the greatest strikers that have ever played for Manchester United!

9. Paul Scholes

   

   Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have made their marks in Manchester United history. It's a shame to see Scholes relatively low on this list, considering all he's done for the club. This is the only reason I'm picking him over Giggsy or Cantona. His rockets for shots, pinpoint passing, and eye for chance creation make him one of a kind.

   He's won the hearts of millions of fans and numerous of the game's greatest players and managers. Sir Alex, Beckham, Pelé, Zidane, Guardiola, Messi, and Ronaldinho are but a few names of icons who have paid their tributes to this great veteran.

   He deserves to be in the top 5 without a doubt, and he would be if not for all the fake fans, or young kids who have never seen him in his prime. How Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Bryan Robson ended up below Antonio Valencia, I do not know!

10. Peter Schmeichel

    

    Peter Bolesław Schmeichel, born on November 18, 1963, is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was voted the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993. Schmeichel is best remembered for his successful years at Manchester United, where he captained the team to victory... read more

    The best goalkeeper in history, and along with Van der Sar, the standard by which every other Manchester United goalie will be measured.

    Not even a missile could get past him! If Messi faced Schmeichel today, he would look like an amateur striker. Simply the best keeper ever!

    Simply the best goalkeeper ever in football. Immense!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Casemiro

    
12. ?

    Marcus Rashford

    

    Marcus Rashford (born October 31, 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team. Beyond the pitch, Rashford is a prominent campaigner against racism, homelessness, and child hunger in the United Kingdom. His... read more

The Contenders

13. David de Gea

    

    David de Gea Quintana is a Spanish professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Spain national team. De Gea has been recognized as one of the top goalkeepers in the world during his time with Manchester United.

    Easily top 10. He is quite clearly one of the very few players who cares for the club and has been player of the season more times than any other United player.

    Maybe it's a bit too soon for this spot, but if he stays with United for another 5 to 8 seasons, he has the potential to be the best ever.

    This guy is unnatural when it comes to reaction speed. Not only that, he defies gravity if he has to. He could play for any team out there.

14. Ruud van Nistelrooy

    

    The best finisher of the game. Fans are still missing his magic touch in the box. No arrogance, but still the best.

    An absolute world-beater with United. He would lead my line in an all-time United 11.

    He is a very great footballer and one of the best, actually, and I really miss him. I don't have much to say, but he's the best footballer I have ever seen.

15. Roy Keane

    

    Roy Maurice Keane is an Irish football assistant manager and former professional player. He is the joint-most successful Irish footballer of all time, having won 19 major trophies during his club career, including 17 with Manchester United. Keane also captained the club and was known for his leadership... read more

    Most have him in the top 10, and rightfully so. He was one hell of a leader and really had the ability to control any match. He was hard-nosed and worked his tail off every match. He had a fear factor about him. Other clubs were always aware of where Roy was on the pitch. A brilliant player and as tough as they come.

    A leader of men who forced the best out of the players around him. Even if Keane wasn't having the best match, he demanded the best of everyone else and pushed them to their limits.

    Arguably our best captain ever. Disappointing how it all ended, but Keane was everything you want in a captain, and boy, would he make sure his team gave everything!

16. Nemanja Vidić

    

    Probably not the best we've ever had, but by far the most enjoyable defender to watch. He loved defending and loved a tackle. My favorite defender of all time!

17. Edwin van der Sar

    

    He is one of the best goalkeepers for Manchester United. He should be close to the top.

    He set a record at Manchester United and will remain in Manchester's history. A true guru.

    He remained excellent throughout his entire career.

18. Denis Law

    

    European Footballer of the Year 1964, known as The King. If you had to pick a player to score a goal to save your life, it would be Denis Law.

    14th? It's hard not to put him in the top 5, let alone the top 10. He was the goal machine of his time and such a pure finisher.

    My greatest Man U player of all time. You only had to ask George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Sir Alex Ferguson. In terms of goals per game, he was matchless and more exciting to watch than all the rest.

19. Ole Gunnar Solskjær

    

    A dream to have him play as a centre-forward. If only that was now, so we could actually have a chance at the title.

20. Zlatan Ibrahimović

    

    Zlatan Ibrahimović (born October 3, 1981) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a striker for multiple clubs during his career, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), FC Barcelona, and Manchester United. He scored over 500 career goals for club and country while winning league titles... read more

    What a player he is. The way he carries Manchester United is incredible. He and Paul Pogba have a deadly combination. He will surpass Van Persie's record of 30 goals in a season. Yes, he misses chances, but at 35, the number of goals he has scored is brilliant. He won the EFL Cup with an amazing free kick and scored in injury time. He is exactly like Eric Cantona.

    Zlatan is my favorite player in the world. He probably scored the best goal ever with that bicycle kick.

    He is my favorite player in the world. Sometimes he gets angry, but it's because of the other players.

21. Rio Ferdinand

    

    Rio Gavin Ferdinand is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre back. He enjoyed a successful club career, most notably with Manchester United, where he won six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title. He currently works as a television pundit, primarily for BT... read more

    One of the best defenders to have played at the club. His partnership with Vidic was amazing.

22. Gary Neville

    

    Gary Alexander Neville is an English football coach, broadcaster, and former player. He spent his entire playing career with Manchester United and is a co-owner of Salford City. He previously served as assistant manager for the England national football team.

23. Ángel Di María

    

    Ángel Fabián Di María (born 14 February 1988) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for the Portuguese club Benfica.

    Di María is known for his dribbling ability, playmaking, rapid pace, and agility. He has had a distinguished career with several... read more

    Angel Di Maria had 4 goals and 7 assists in his first and last year at Manchester United with new players and a new coach. And they let him go because he had a bad season?! Bull! I think he did exceptionally well for someone who played with people he had just started playing with and a new coach who had new strategies and different expectations for every new player he got, all of whom did poorly because LVG cannot manage an all-star team!

    He's quick.

    He's a scorer.

    He's a champion.

    What isn't he!

    That wing is the throughway when he is there. His speed, dribbling skill, and creativity. He is the next Man Utd big thing.

24. Javier Hernández

    

    Javier Hernández Balcázar, commonly known as Chicharito, is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a forward for Mexican club Chivas Guadalajara. He previously spent years lighting up Europe with powerhouse clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. The prolific striker also holds the impressive... read more

    Give him a chance and he'll score, whether it's with his face or whatever, but he'll score.

25. Gerard Piqué

    

    Gerard Piqué Bernabéu is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a centre back. He spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, where he won numerous titles including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. Piqué also represented the Spain national team and was part of the squad... read more

26. Antonio Valencia

    

    Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera, known as Antonio Valencia (born August 4, 1985), is an Ecuadorian former professional footballer who played primarily as a right-sided player throughout his career. He initially played as a right winger before transitioning into a right-back.... read more

    Every time he is on the pitch, he does a great job. He's fast, strong, and smart.

    Fastest player in the world in 2013, according to a FIFA study. Google it.

    Some right back. Gets a lot of assists.

27. Juan Mata

    

    Juan Manuel Mata García is a Spanish professional footballer born on April 28, 1988. He plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United and has been a regular member of the Spain national team. Mata joined Manchester United in January 2014 after successful spells with Valencia and Chelsea... read more

    Fabulous player, even better person. Mixes excellent technique with brilliant vision and deadly finishing. Big-game player.