The 50 Greatest Manchester United Players of All Time

August 25, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Manchester United is one of the most legendary football clubs in the world. Over the decades, Old Trafford has been home to some of the game’s greatest names – from the Busby Babes to Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era and into the modern day. In 2023, FourFourTwo published a ranking of the 50 greatest United players of all time. Here we go through the entire list – from number 50 to the greatest of them all.

50. Teddy Sheringham

Sheringham joined United late in his career but enjoyed a renaissance at Old Trafford. He won three Premier League titles and is best remembered for his equaliser in the 1999 Champions League final. A clever forward who became a vital part of the treble-winning side.

49. Harry Gregg

Gregg became a hero during the Munich air disaster of 1958, saving several lives. On the pitch he was fearless, though injuries often disrupted his career. He played nearly a decade for United and remains a respected figure in the club’s history.

48. Stan Pearson

Photo: Manutd.com

Despite losing six years to World War II, Pearson scored 148 goals in 343 games. He hit hat-tricks in both the semi-final and final of the 1948 FA Cup. A smart striker with excellent movement, he was one of United’s post-war stars.

47. Johnny Carey

The Irish defender captained United to league and FA Cup victories after WWII. Calm, composed and tactically astute, he was a true leader. Spotted by scout Louis Rocca, he became one of the most important figures of the 1940s side.

46. Jaap Stam

Signed in 1998 for a then-record fee for a defender, Stam was both powerful and technically gifted. He played a key role in the treble-winning season of 1999. Though sold earlier than expected, he remains one of United’s most dominant centre-backs.

45. Tony Dunne

Dunne made over 400 appearances as a reliable left-back through the 1960s and 70s. Rarely spectacular, he was consistently dependable. A steady presence in a team often full of attacking flair.

44. Brian Kidd

A product of the youth academy, Kidd scored in the 1968 European Cup final on his 19th birthday. He showed early promise as a striker, though he never fully reached superstar status. Later, he returned as part of Ferguson’s coaching staff.

43. Dwight Yorke

Yorke played with a smile and formed an iconic strike partnership with Andy Cole. His pace, finishing, and intelligence were crucial to the treble in 1999. Short-lived but unforgettable at Old Trafford.

42. Andy Cole

Cole scored prolifically over six seasons, forming a legendary duo with Yorke. Known for needing multiple chances, but his record speaks for itself. One of the Premier League’s most reliable scorers.

41. Arthur Albiston

Albiston broke through in the 1977 FA Cup final and went on to make nearly 500 appearances at left-back. A solid, dependable figure for United throughout the 1980s. He epitomised loyalty and consistency.

40. Paul Ince

The self-styled “Guv’nor” was combative, hard-running and technically solid in midfield. A key player in Ferguson’s early years. His reputation with fans suffered after his later move to Liverpool.

39. Sammy McIlroy

Busby’s last signing, McIlroy scored on his derby debut in 1971. Initially a striker, he evolved into an attacking midfielder. His versatility and passion made him a key figure in the 70s.

38. Liam “Billy” Whelan

Whelan’s career was tragically cut short in Munich at just 22 years old. He had already scored 52 goals in 95 games for United. A skilful and creative player, tipped for greatness.

37. Michael Carrick

Signed in 2006, Carrick became a vital cog in Ferguson’s midfield. Calm, intelligent and precise in his passing, he dictated the tempo of games. Winner of 17 major honours, he is one of United’s most decorated players.

36. Paddy Crerand

A hard-tackling midfielder of the 1960s, Crerand combined industry with excellent passing. He kept things ticking for a star-studded attack. Later became a long-time servant to the club off the pitch.

35. Steve Coppell

Coppell was a lightning-quick winger in the 70s and early 80s. Combining pace and work rate, he was highly effective down the right flank. A cruel knee injury ended his career at just 28.

34. Paul McGrath

McGrath rose from a tough upbringing to become an elegant, powerful defender. Despite battling alcoholism and injury, he showed world-class ability on the pitch. One of the finest natural talents to play for United.

33. Brian McClair

Nicknamed “Choccy”, McClair was versatile and dependable. He became the first player since George Best to score 20 league goals in a season. Later adapted to midfield, making himself invaluable to Ferguson.

32. Ole Gunnar Solskjær

The “Baby-Faced Assassin” became a cult hero with his knack for scoring as a substitute. His crowning moment was the injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final. Intelligent, clinical, and forever adored by United fans.

31. Edwin van der Sar

Van der Sar arrived in 2005 and brought stability between the posts. His save in the 2008 Champions League final secured United the trophy. Calm, composed and consistent, he was one of the best goalkeepers in club history.

30. Gary Pallister

Signed for a record fee in 1989, Pallister was a dominant centre-back. He formed a formidable partnership with Steve Bruce. Key to United’s early Premier League successes.

29. Norman Whiteside

Whiteside was a teenage prodigy, debuting at 16 and scoring in both FA Cup and League Cup finals. Strong, fearless and technically excellent, he lacked only pace. Injuries sadly curtailed a brilliant career.

28. Patrice Evra

Evra joined in 2006 and became one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Energetic, combative and excellent going forward, he was a fan favourite. A winner of 14 trophies with United.

27. Steve Bruce

Bruce was a commanding centre-back and inspirational captain. He famously scored twice against Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 to secure the title. Strangely never capped for England, but adored at Old Trafford.

26. Martin Buchan

The Scottish defender captained United through difficult years in the 70s. Calm, composed and a true leader, he made over 450 appearances. A rock at the back when United most needed stability.

25. Mark Hughes

Known as “Sparky”, Hughes was a physical striker with spectacular goals in his locker. He had two spells at United, scoring crucial volleys and long-range strikes. Fans loved his commitment and power.

24. Nemanja Vidić

Nemanja Vidic — LEVANTEMEDIA / Shutterstock.com

Vidić arrived in 2006 and became one of United’s toughest-ever defenders. Brave, uncompromising and dominant in the air, he was the perfect partner to Rio Ferdinand. A natural leader and serial winner.

23. Dennis Viollet

Viollet was a lightning-quick forward with an eye for goal. He scored 179 times in 293 games, including a record 32 league goals in 1959/60. Sold surprisingly early, but his legacy remains huge.

22. David de Gea

Initially criticised for being too lightweight, De Gea grew into one of the world’s best keepers. His reflex saves rescued United countless times post-Ferguson. Voted club Player of the Year four times.

21. Nobby Stiles

A tough-tackling defensive midfielder, Stiles did the dirty work that allowed stars like Best and Charlton to shine. He won both the 1966 World Cup and 1968 European Cup. A cult hero with his iconic toothless grin.

20. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy was one of the most clinical strikers in club history, scoring 150 goals in 219 games. Strong, quick and deadly in the box, he was unstoppable at his peak. His goalscoring record speaks for itself.

19. Bill Foulkes

A rugged defender, Foulkes played 688 times for United across two decades. A Munich survivor, he became a symbol of resilience. He led by example with strength and determination.

18. Denis Irwin

Irwin was dependable, versatile and brilliant at set-pieces. He won seven league titles and 19 trophies in total. Often called the most underrated United player of all time.

17. Tommy Taylor

Taylor scored 131 goals in 191 appearances before dying tragically at Munich in 1958. A powerful header of the ball and physically imposing forward. Considered a potential all-time great cut short.

16. Roger Byrne

Byrne captained the Busby Babes and was a natural leader. Though right-footed, he excelled at left-back with great intelligence and positioning. He died tragically at Munich after 245 appearances.

15. Gary Neville

A one-club man with over 400 appearances, Neville was a tenacious right-back. Known for his professionalism, leadership and partnership with Beckham. Described by Ferguson as the best English right-back of his generation.

14. David Beckham

Beckham was more than a celebrity – he was a world-class footballer. His crossing, passing and free kicks were exceptional. Famous for his goal from the halfway line in 1996, he was a tireless worker who won it all at United.

13. Roy Keane

Keane epitomised leadership and intensity. Fierce in the tackle and uncompromising in standards, he drove United’s midfield. Loved by fans for his passion, feared by opponents for his fire.

12. Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand was elegant, fast and technically superb. He made defending look effortless and formed a legendary partnership with Vidić. One of the Premier League’s greatest defenders.

11. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo blossomed into a superstar at United, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2008. With dazzling dribbles, pace and finishing, he became the complete forward. Though his peak came at Real Madrid, his United legacy is immense.

10. Paul Scholes

Scholes was a midfield genius who spent his whole career at United. Renowned for his passing range, vision and goals from midfield. Respected by players worldwide as one of the very best.

9. Peter Schmeichel

The “Great Dane” is widely regarded as United’s greatest goalkeeper. Famous for his star-jump saves and commanding presence. A cornerstone of the treble-winning team.

8. Duncan Edwards

Edwards was hailed as England’s greatest ever talent before his death at Munich aged just 21. Strong, skilful and two-footed, he could play anywhere on the pitch. Bobby Charlton called him the best player he ever saw.

7. Ryan Giggs

The most decorated British footballer, Giggs played 963 games and won 13 league titles. His dribbling, pace and adaptability kept him at the top for two decades. Famous for his solo FA Cup goal against Arsenal in 1999.

6. Wayne Rooney

Rooney is United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals. Explosive, skilful and relentless, he combined energy with intelligence. He embodied the club’s fighting spirit and won every major trophy.

5. Denis Law

“The King” scored 237 goals for United, including 30 in Europe. A lethal finisher with flair and aggression. Despite relatively few trophies, he remains one of the club’s greatest icons.

4. Eric Cantona

Cantona transformed United after his 1992 arrival. Charismatic, skilful and defiant, he was the catalyst for Ferguson’s first great team. His upturned collar and swagger made him a cult hero.

3. Bryan Robson

“Captain Marvel” was a box-to-box powerhouse and United’s longest-serving captain. Tireless, courageous and influential, he carried the club in tough times. A true leader and one of England’s greatest midfielders.

2. George Best

Best was a genius with the ball – dribbling, shooting and creating with flair unmatched. He scored 179 goals and became the original United No.7 icon. Despite struggles off the field, his legend will never die.

1. Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton is United’s greatest ever player. A Munich survivor, he carried the club back to glory, culminating in the 1968 European Cup. With 758 appearances and 249 goals, he defined resilience, class and loyalty.