History of Manchester United: Greatest Players Who Forged the Identity of Old Trafford Football Club (original) (raw)

Manchester United has held some of football’s finest players, all leaving their mark in football history books as well as leaving a legacy at Manchester United. Ranking these legends is difficult but let me give it a try to list some of the iconic figures that helped shape and mold this team. The English Premier League is in full swing right now, take your chance to support Manchester United at http://genome10k.org/.

Sir Bobby Charlton: Munich Air Disaster Survivor

Every ounce of spirit that goes in to making Manchester United, Sir Bobby Charlton. A survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, Charlton took United to new levels and played a key part in their first European Cup triumph in 1968. He became a genuine legend during his time at the club due to his loyalty, ability and leadership both on and off the pitch – it is those qualities that every subsequent United player has been measured against. He transformed Manchester United into one of the strongest clubs in the United Kingdom.

George Best: The Man Who Changed Manchester United

He was an extremely talented, extraordinary mature and stylish player. Best, famed for his dribbling artistry and playboy lifestyle, helped United win the European Cup in 1968. His flair and speed turned him into an international superstar that were adored across the globe as one of football´s much-loved entertainers.

Eric Cantona – King of Old Trafford

The arrival of Eric Cantona in 1992 would usher in a fresh era of domestic supremacy for Manchester United. His vision, leadership and goal-scoring took United to the next level in its halcyon late 1990s period -the club winning four Premier League titles in five years. Cantona will also forever be a totem of the emerging, pre-Ferguson United.

One of Sir Alex Ferguson Favorites: Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs – The man, shakes his legs only for Manchester United Giggs retired in 2014 after setting a club record of 963 appearances, during which he won two Champions Leagues and amassed 13 Premier League titles. A model of consistency, a player whose versatility was unmatched and one who enjoyed immense longevity: Paul Scholes is a true legend at United.

Paul Scholes -Midfield Maestro

Paul Scholes is considered to have been among the best central midfielders of his time. Arguably, the greatest passer and shooter ever seen in a United shirt, Scholes was instrumental in occupyng central midfield for over 20 years. Giggs was central to United’s success in the 1990s and early-2000s, helping himself to eleven Premier League titles as well as two Champions League wins.

Roy Keane is Raw Courage

Roy Keane was one of the best Manchester United captains, feared by some for his leadership and courage. Credited as the main figure during Manchester United ascendency inthe late 1990s and early Millennium, brought about by a tough tackling no nonsense attitude. His captaincy was key to United’s treble triumph in 1998-99.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Monster of Manchester

The Portuguese forward first signed for United as a teenager and became one of the best players on the planet during his time with the Red Devils. His pace, technique and goals made the damage he did impossible to fully calculate as he helped United win three consecutive Premier League titles from 2007-09 along with their Champions League in 2008.

Denis Law: The Stretford End King

During the 1960s, Denis Law – or ‘The King’ as he is affectionately known at Old Trafford – was a superstar forward for Manchester United. That eye for goal and the poacher’s instinct made Law a firm fans’ favourite as he helped United to capture two First Division crowns – in 1965 and again in 1967.

Record Breaker Wayne Rooney

United’s all-time leading goal scorer across all competitions, Rooney netted 253 times for the club. A combination of Rooney’s talent and his versatility meant that he became an indispensable figure for Man Utd from 2004-17, when they won five Premier League titles along with a Champions League title during that period.

Peter Schmeichel, The Great Dane

One of the finest goalkeepers in football history, Peter Schmeichel is usually praised. The Danish goalkeeper was a mainstay of the Manchester United goalmouth throughout much of the 1990s, during which time he provided an important part in domestic and European conquest for ultimate glory hunters as well as caught up by Red Devils to both call then treble champions, following season (98-99).

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