Manchester United's Five Greatest Players Ever — Sir Bobby Charlton and Other Greats

(Photo : Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Wayne Rooney (R) of Manchester United is presented a trophy by Sir Bobby Charlton (L) to mark his 500th game for Manchester United prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford on December 19, 2015 in Manchester, England.

Premier League club Manchester United has been home to some of the greatest figures in the sport, boasting a rich history with top-tier players and managers who have represented the club over the years.

The Red Devils are the second-most successful club in England behind Liverpool, with 67 total trophies, winning a record 20 top-flight league titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and countless other honors.

Additionally, they became the first English club to secure the continental treble in the 1998-99 season under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the game.

Given their rich football heritage, let's explore the five greatest Manchester United players.

5. Bryan Robson

Robson played for the club from 1981 to 1994, becoming the longest-serving captain in club history.

Fondly referred to as "Captain Marvel," he was a dynamic midfielder renowned for his leadership, exceptional work-rate, and scoring prowess.

Across 461 appearances, he showcased his versatility by excelling in tackling, passing, and goal-scoring, accumulating a notable total of 99 goals for Manchester United.

4. Wayne Rooney

Rooney is regarded as one of the greatest players in English football history. Notably, he holds the esteemed title of Manchester United's all-time top scorer, having found the net 253 times.

The 38-year-old played for the club from 2004 to 2017, with United shelling out the highest fee ever paid for a player under 20 years old during that time.

The forward was also the England national team's all-time top scorer from 2015 to 2023.

3. Ryan Giggs

Giggs notably spent more than 27 years with the club, from joining its youth academy to his retirement as a player.

He primarily played as a winger, later transitioning to a midfielder. Given his exceptional crossing ability, he also boasts the record for the most assists in the Premier League.

The Welsh holds the record for the most appearances in a Manchester United shirt, an impressive 963 from 1987 to 2014. He also stands at an equal seventh position on the club's goalscoring list with 168 goals.

2. George Best

Best, a winger with 470 appearances and 179 goals from 1963 to 1974, is one of the most talented players to don the Manchester United shirt.

The Northern Irish was the trailblazer of the number 7 shirt at United, transforming into an iconic lore worn by illustrious players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham.

Celebrated as a skillful player, his creativity and prolific goalscoring ability earned him the endearing nickname "El Beatle."

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton was not only a remarkable figure for Manchester United due to his on-field prowess but also for his extraordinary efforts in keeping the club afloat in the aftermath of the 1958 Munich air disaster, during which eight players tragically lost their lives.

Charlton's tenure with the club spanned from 1953 to 1973. He held the top spot on both the all-time appearances list (758) and the all-time scorers' list (249) for several decades, but Giggs and Rooney have since surpassed him in both categories.

The England international's exceptional qualities, including his range of passing, visionary play, and phenomenal goalscoring ability, especially his shots from outside the box, established him as the club's greatest-ever player.