Manchester United’s 30 Greatest Players Ever (Ranked)

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

30

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United appearances: 306

Bruno Fernandes has been unfortunate to play in one of the club’s worst-ever eras, but has continuously delivered moments of game-winning quality across his time at Old Trafford when so many others around him have struggled. In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years, countless big-money attacking players have signed for Man United and failed to deliver anything close to value for money.

With that in mind, it’s all the more remarkable that he has helped deliver one FA Cup and one League Cup, while also becoming the club’s ninth highest scorer in the Premier League (with 67 goals). One can only imagine the success he would have enjoyed had he joined the club a decade or two sooner.

29

Nobby Stiles

Manchester United appearances: 395

A World Cup winner with England in 1966, playing every minute at the tournament, Nobby Stiles was an immense figure in the middle of the park at Manchester United for 11 years. Known for his tough tackling, he won two First Division titles, an FA Cup and European Cup with the Red Devils.

Beyond what he achieved on the pitch as a player, he also helped develop a number of young talents during his time as a youth team coach between 1989 and 1993. He oversaw the likes of future first team stars David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil, making him a true club legend in every sense of the word.

28

Martin Buchan

Manchester United appearances: 456

Martin Buchan was a stalwart at the back for Man United in the 1970s and early 80s​​​​. Much like Sir Alex Ferguson, he impressed first at Aberdeen in his native Scotland before making the move to Old Trafford in 1972.

Over in Manchester, Buchan would become an incredibly dependable and influential player. The composed central defender even captained the club to an FA Cup win over Liverpool in 1997, which prevented their bitter rivals from claiming a treble. That alone is enough to permanently earn him a place in the hearts of those who follow the Red Devils.

27

Denis Irwin

Manchester United appearances: 529

Denis Irwin is not only among the greatest players to ever represent the Red Devils, but he is also among the finest left-backs to ever play the sport. He won a mammoth 18 trophies with the Red Devils between 1990 and 2002 and was regarded by Roy Keane as one of only five truly world-class teammates during their time together at Man Utd.

If that’s not enough of a glowing review, how about this from manager Ferguson: “Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in the [all-time XI] team. We always called him Eight Out of Ten Denis. So quick and nimble: quick-brained. Never let you down. There was never any bad publicity with him.”

26

Bill Foulkes

Manchester United appearances: 688

Only three players made more appearances for Manchester United than Bill Foulkes. Those men were Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes, which gives you an idea of just how good he was for the Red Devils. What’s more, made 3 appearances off the bench in that time, starting the rest of his 685 games.

A league winner on four occasions, he also got his hands on an FA Cup and the European Cup, having survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. Remarkably, despite his talent, the defender played just one for England internationally.

25

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United 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 slightly with a less-than-stellar stint as manager, he’s still a Man United legend.

24

Patrice Evra

Manchester United 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

Manchester United 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

Manchester United 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

Manchester United 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.