- Manchester United boast countless legendary names
- Matt Guyett has named his top 10
- Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie feature
Watching Manchester United growing up was an addiction that turned into a writing career. Whenever I am asked which football club I support, I don’t hesitate to tell them I’m a Red from Surrey.
Some call it glory hunting, but no club is as special as United and the legends that have represented it. The post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been a real rough ride, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
That’s because supporting the Reds was the most important part of my childhood. When I reflect on my life, every year brings a moment.
From Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 to even Alexander Buttner’s strike against Wigan Athletic in 2012. United have been the team for me, and so too have many of the players who have given me joy and anguish every match weekend.
Wayne Rooney
Whenever Wayne Rooney was on the pitch, my eyes were glued to the screen. The legendary English striker was a joy to watch, whether as a number nine, a second striker, or even in midfield.
The passion, grit, and determination were truly remarkable, especially during his teenage years. He was the embodiment of a ‘Barclays’ player, the greatest era of English football, especially for a United fan.
Rooney produced so many magical moments that made many, including myself, fall in love with the beautiful game. Whenever his name comes up, that sensational volley against Newcastle United after moaning at Neale Barry springs to mind.
Ryan Giggs
One of the hardest-working footballers to ever grace the game, and he is so harshly underrated by younger fans. Ryan Giggs could do pretty much everything, including surge down the wing before putting the ball on a plate for a centre-forward.
The Welsh wizard conjured up some of the greatest moments in the club’s history, and his longevity was truly astounding. To spend 29 years associated with the Red Devils is simply unthinkable, a true legend at the Theatre of Dreams who made supporters dream.
Cristiano Ronaldo
A love-hate relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo has been prevalent throughout my time watching football. But that hate comes from regret, rueing the sight of him leaving United for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
I’ve yet to see a better season from an individual player in the club’s colours than the one the five-time Ballon d’Or winner produced in 2007-08. Everything he touched turned to gold, including his strikes in wins over Porto and Arsenal en route to Champions League glory.
Watching Ronaldo rise from a brace-faced teenage prospect and into the best player in the world made for Hollywood-esque viewing. There was a special aura about him, and his return in 2021 when he re-entered the Theatre of Dreams gave me goosebumps.
Rio Ferdinand
Most United fans my age wanted to be Rooney or Ronaldo, but my idol was Rio Ferdinand. At such a young age, I didn’t realise just how gifted he was; rather, my admiration was based on his dominance at the back.
One of my favourite memories from the Sir Alex Ferguson era was his celebration after Robin van Persie’s free kick in the Manchester derby. Seeing him wear the scars of a City fan’s coin striking him on the face makes me frown at players of this generation who pale in comparison to his warrior-esque mentality.
Robin van Persie
If this were a list of my favourite seasons from a player during their time at Old Trafford, Robin van Persie’s debut campaign is number one. I had my reservations over signing an Arsenal striker, but when he told us that he listened “to the little boy inside of me”, I knew he was made for United.
Every single game in the 2012-13 season made for must-see viewing, and that was because of Van Persie. The Southampton hat-trick, the Chelsea winner and the Aston Villa volley, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing from the Dutch frontman.
Van Persie deserved more time playing under Sir Alex, but their brief time together was glorious. His spell with the club makes me sympathise with Gunners fans who hold a grudge because of his controversial transfer.
Bruno Fernandes
When Bruno Fernandes eventually calls time on his United career, most fans will look back and realise he was just as talented as the very best midfielders in the club’s history. The Portuguese playmaker has given the club and fans relief during one of its worst periods.
It’s a shame Fernandes didn’t get the chance to play with many of those on this list. He’d have been a dream in the Red Devils team that dominated English football in the 2000s.
The anger that grew when Roy Keane slammed his leadership qualities probably explains the Irishman’s omission from this list. Every time his captaincy is brought into disrepute, I make sure to highlight his explanation behind the moaning and groaning that, for me, are just traits of a player who wants to win at all costs.
Luis Nani
Every football fan has that one player who might not be among the all-time greats but played their way into their hearts. For me, that United star was Luis Nani, who felt like a superhero at times, not least because of his trademark celebration.
Nani was on the back of most of the replica shirts I wore during my youth. He was all thrills and a player of whom I make sure gets his flowers, especially when those who didn’t get to watch him question his influence at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes made everything look easy, and that’s why I didn’t appreciate him enough during my youth. My career in journalism, covering comments from the likes of Thierry Henry, has truly opened my eyes to just how gifted he was.
Scholes’ playmaking didn’t leave me in awe because it was the norm for him. If any player from today’s game pulled off his long-range passing, I’d be astounded.
When he came out of retirement for a swansong, it just felt right. To see him ride off into the sunset alongside Sir Alex was a perfect ending for a midfielder who remains undoubtedly the most talented United player I’ve seen with a ball at his feet.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Seeing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back at United during his managerial reign was a nostalgia ride I didn’t want to end. As a player, he was just so likeable, a true team player who made me understand the logic behind a bit-part role.
I caught Solskjaer at the back end of his playing career, and he still remains one of my favourites. The line ‘and Solskjaer has won it’ is one I often let out whenever kicking a football into a make-believe net.
