Ping it like Petrucci.
He now plays for FC Clunge. He seems to get games at least.
Redcafe's favourite Manchester United players.
- Thread starter Wumminator
- Start date
He now plays for FC Clunge. He seems to get games at least.
If they're top tens, they're all going to be rubbish XIs <_<
I didn't say make an XI from ONE (top ten) selection..... "from some people'S selections"? (More than one person).
You actually read back through this thread to (mis)read it and post THAT?
Busy are you? School holidays?
I didn't say make an XI from ONE (top ten) selection..... "from some people'S selections"? (More than one person).You actually read back through this thread to (mis)read it and post THAT?
Busy are you? School holidays?@ADJUDICATOR what have you got to say for yourself, fecking Davide Petrucci
To be fair I had no idea the order of your votes actually meant anythingIf they're top tens, they're all going to be rubbish XIs <_<
You actually read back through this thread to (mis)read it and post THAT?
Yeah. We learned how to quote posts and recognise a joke last term.
Oh, it was meant to be a joke...... get yer.
Great work - well done, you. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the results.
Can you invite the winners along to the Caf. for one of my candlelit suppers, with awards and speeches?
Can you invite the winners along to the Caf. for one of my candlelit suppers, with awards and speeches?
That hate for Anderson...
Yes, if you only remember his last couple of seasons with us, he's a real disappointment, but he has over 180 apps for us, and some really good performances.
Yes, if you only remember his last couple of seasons with us, he's a real disappointment, but he has over 180 apps for us, and some really good performances.
Three more players today. Will add them later.
He showed so much early promise, I'm happy enough with him getting one point.
39. Kagawa 39. Nani
Joint 39th
(Three Players)
Seven Points each.
39th Shinji Kagawa
Premier League Appearances - 31 (7)
Overall Appearances - 46 (11)
Premier League Goals - 6
Overall Goals - 6
Position - Attacking Midfielder
Manchester United's first ever Japanese player was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's last ever signings. Arriving in Manchester on the 5th June 2014 the silky playmaker was immediately hailed as a shrewd piece of business, with the player known for his creative style and intricate passing. Shinji initially looked to be a fantastic signing, scoring on his home debut against Fulham in front of the Old Trafford faithful and in September continued his form assisting Michael Carrick in his first Champions League game. Shinji's cultured style was very easy on the eye and he was constantly looking to play quick intricate football. An injury in October then limited his playing time for the next three months and his international commitments for Japan often meant he would struggle to be match fit for the season. Despite this Shinji became the first Asian player to score a hat trick in a 4-0 rout v Norwich and also collected a Premier League winners medal.
That year Ferguson would retire and David Moyes was brought in. Shinji struggled to match the promise that he initially had been brought for, and would only appear in 18 games that season in the Premier League. He would play 30 games overall without a Premier League goal and found it hard to adapt to the Scottish managers style of play. When Louis Van Gaal took over many hoped it would kick start Shinji's career but instead he ended moving back to Dortmund in the Bundesliga to reignite his career. While Shinji didn't live up to what we all hoped, his movement and good attitude meant that he has been voted 39th on this list.
39th Nani
Premier League Appearances - 111 (16)
Overall Appearances - 178 (52)
Premier League Goals - 26
Overall Goals - 41
Position - Winger
"For example, with Nani this (shouting at a player) happened often. Mr. Ferguson always found a fault in everything that Nani did. Probably because he thought he could get to the level of Cristiano Ronaldo."
Whenever I look back on Nani's career with the club, I think of this quote from former United winger Bebe (Who is not on the list). The Portuguese winger arrived in 2007 and his Portuguese heritage and similar position meant right away he was compared with Cristiano. The player never lived up to those enormous expectations but he had a solid career landing at 84th in the most capper Manchester United players of all time. It's hard to remember now but at the start of the 2007/2008 season United looked to be struggling and it was Nani's 30 yard strike against Tottenham and his two assists in the following games that set United on the path towards a Champions League and Premier League double.
Annoyingly inconsistent, Nani would often look like a potential world beater, but then at other times would struggle to look like a Premier League player. It was the 2010/2011 season where Nani looked like he would push on to become an all time great, getting a part in the Premier League team of the year, winning Manchester United's player of the year and only losing out to Gareth Bale in the end of year Premier League awards. However a loss of form and injuries such as broken legs and pulled hamstrings meant he never really recaptured that form. Despite that Nani played a part in four Premier League titles, scored a penalty in a winning Champions League Final and will be remembered fondly for the great times he had at the club.
(Three Players)
Seven Points each.
39th Shinji Kagawa
Premier League Appearances - 31 (7)
Overall Appearances - 46 (11)
Premier League Goals - 6
Overall Goals - 6
Position - Attacking Midfielder
Manchester United's first ever Japanese player was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's last ever signings. Arriving in Manchester on the 5th June 2014 the silky playmaker was immediately hailed as a shrewd piece of business, with the player known for his creative style and intricate passing. Shinji initially looked to be a fantastic signing, scoring on his home debut against Fulham in front of the Old Trafford faithful and in September continued his form assisting Michael Carrick in his first Champions League game. Shinji's cultured style was very easy on the eye and he was constantly looking to play quick intricate football. An injury in October then limited his playing time for the next three months and his international commitments for Japan often meant he would struggle to be match fit for the season. Despite this Shinji became the first Asian player to score a hat trick in a 4-0 rout v Norwich and also collected a Premier League winners medal.
That year Ferguson would retire and David Moyes was brought in. Shinji struggled to match the promise that he initially had been brought for, and would only appear in 18 games that season in the Premier League. He would play 30 games overall without a Premier League goal and found it hard to adapt to the Scottish managers style of play. When Louis Van Gaal took over many hoped it would kick start Shinji's career but instead he ended moving back to Dortmund in the Bundesliga to reignite his career. While Shinji didn't live up to what we all hoped, his movement and good attitude meant that he has been voted 39th on this list.
39th Nani
Premier League Appearances - 111 (16)
Overall Appearances - 178 (52)
Premier League Goals - 26
Overall Goals - 41
Position - Winger
"For example, with Nani this (shouting at a player) happened often. Mr. Ferguson always found a fault in everything that Nani did. Probably because he thought he could get to the level of Cristiano Ronaldo."
Whenever I look back on Nani's career with the club, I think of this quote from former United winger Bebe (Who is not on the list). The Portuguese winger arrived in 2007 and his Portuguese heritage and similar position meant right away he was compared with Cristiano. The player never lived up to those enormous expectations but he had a solid career landing at 84th in the most capper Manchester United players of all time. It's hard to remember now but at the start of the 2007/2008 season United looked to be struggling and it was Nani's 30 yard strike against Tottenham and his two assists in the following games that set United on the path towards a Champions League and Premier League double.
Annoyingly inconsistent, Nani would often look like a potential world beater, but then at other times would struggle to look like a Premier League player. It was the 2010/2011 season where Nani looked like he would push on to become an all time great, getting a part in the Premier League team of the year, winning Manchester United's player of the year and only losing out to Gareth Bale in the end of year Premier League awards. However a loss of form and injuries such as broken legs and pulled hamstrings meant he never really recaptured that form. Despite that Nani played a part in four Premier League titles, scored a penalty in a winning Champions League Final and will be remembered fondly for the great times he had at the club.
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False! Players are remembered here for their bad times. Unless they leave the club at their height, which not many did.
Petrucci > Yorke?
I hope not, I think we're a bit more positive than that.
39. Coppell
39th Steve Coppell
First Division Appearances - 320 (2)
Overall Appearances - 393 (3)
First Division Goals - 53
Overall Goals - 70
Position - Right Winger
The above stats are actually slightly incorrect, as some of Steve Coppell's appearances at the start of his Manchester United career came in the second division. Tommy Docherty convinced the Scouse Coppell to sign for Manchester United from Tranmere and the winger would go onto have a legendary career at the club. Docherty had never actually seen Coppell play, but Jimmy Murphy convinced the manager to bring him to the club.
Steve was known for his pace and also his work rate, "United fans appreciated it if you had a go,” he once stated, “They don’t like prima donnas, regardless of skill, they want to see commitment and effort. I’d have a bad game but as long as I tried the crowd were alright." As such Steve became an Old Trafford favourite as he stayed for nine years before injuries retired the player early at just aged 28. Steve still holds to this day the record for most consecutive appearances by an outfield Manchester United player playing 207 consecutive games. Steve definitely deserves a place on this list.
First Division Appearances - 320 (2)
Overall Appearances - 393 (3)
First Division Goals - 53
Overall Goals - 70
Position - Right Winger
The above stats are actually slightly incorrect, as some of Steve Coppell's appearances at the start of his Manchester United career came in the second division. Tommy Docherty convinced the Scouse Coppell to sign for Manchester United from Tranmere and the winger would go onto have a legendary career at the club. Docherty had never actually seen Coppell play, but Jimmy Murphy convinced the manager to bring him to the club.
Steve was known for his pace and also his work rate, "United fans appreciated it if you had a go,” he once stated, “They don’t like prima donnas, regardless of skill, they want to see commitment and effort. I’d have a bad game but as long as I tried the crowd were alright." As such Steve became an Old Trafford favourite as he stayed for nine years before injuries retired the player early at just aged 28. Steve still holds to this day the record for most consecutive appearances by an outfield Manchester United player playing 207 consecutive games. Steve definitely deserves a place on this list.
36th. Martin Buchan
36th
Nine Points
36th. Martin Buchan
First Division Appearances - 335
Overall Appearances - 456
First Division Goals - 4
Overall Goals - 4
Position - Centre Back
On 29th February 1972 then Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell signed centre back Martin Buchan for 120,000, a then record signing for the red devils. He played for the club for another two years, before Bobby Charlton retired and Buchan was made club captain. Under his leadership Manchester United would slip into the second division in the 1973/1974 season, but bounced back at the first time of asking a year later as Buchan captained the side to the second division title. He later admitted he had thought about leaving the club during the relegation, but eventually stayed at Old Trafford for eleven years, captaining the side for the vast majority of that time.
Buchan was a fast centre back with excellent positional awareness and as such his influence on the pitch was enormous. However, Buchan is known just as much for his excellent leadership capabilities, his influence in keeping the Manchester United dressing room together is just as important. Many players from that era spoke about the high morale in the dressing room and a lot of that filtered down from the Scottish captain.
Buchan would probably be higher up this list if he played for United in more successful times. Still an FA Cup win at Wembley against Liverpool isn't anything to be sniffed at. A fantastic professional who currently sits at 17th on the all time Manchester United appearances list, Buchan deserves his place on the list.
Nine Points
36th. Martin Buchan
First Division Appearances - 335
Overall Appearances - 456
First Division Goals - 4
Overall Goals - 4
Position - Centre Back
On 29th February 1972 then Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell signed centre back Martin Buchan for 120,000, a then record signing for the red devils. He played for the club for another two years, before Bobby Charlton retired and Buchan was made club captain. Under his leadership Manchester United would slip into the second division in the 1973/1974 season, but bounced back at the first time of asking a year later as Buchan captained the side to the second division title. He later admitted he had thought about leaving the club during the relegation, but eventually stayed at Old Trafford for eleven years, captaining the side for the vast majority of that time.
Buchan was a fast centre back with excellent positional awareness and as such his influence on the pitch was enormous. However, Buchan is known just as much for his excellent leadership capabilities, his influence in keeping the Manchester United dressing room together is just as important. Many players from that era spoke about the high morale in the dressing room and a lot of that filtered down from the Scottish captain.
Buchan would probably be higher up this list if he played for United in more successful times. Still an FA Cup win at Wembley against Liverpool isn't anything to be sniffed at. A fantastic professional who currently sits at 17th on the all time Manchester United appearances list, Buchan deserves his place on the list.
Sorry to be this guy but it was 4-0.
No it's fine I do a lot of the modern ones from memory which obviously isn't what it once was.
In my Top.10..... slightly "from the heart" but my first United hero..... sheer class36th
Nine Points
36th. Martin Buchan
First Division Appearances - 335
Overall Appearances - 456
First Division Goals - 4
Overall Goals - 4
Position - Centre Back
On 29th February 1972 then Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell signed centre back Martin Buchan for 120,000, a then record signing for the red devils. He played for the club for another two years, before Bobby Charlton retired and Buchan was made club captain. Under his leadership Manchester United would slip into the second division in the 1973/1974 season, but bounced back at the first time of asking a year later as Buchan captained the side to the second division title. He later admitted he had thought about leaving the club during the relegation, but eventually stayed at Old Trafford for eleven years, captaining the side for the vast majority of that time.
Buchan was a fast centre back with excellent positional awareness and as such his influence on the pitch was enormous. However, Buchan is known just as much for his excellent leadership capabilities, his influence in keeping the Manchester United dressing room together is just as important. Many players from that era spoke about the high morale in the dressing room and a lot of that filtered down from the Scottish captain.
Buchan would probably be higher up this list if he played for United in more successful times. Still an FA Cup win at Wembley against Liverpool isn't anything to be sniffed at. A fantastic professional who currently sits at 17th on the all time Manchester United appearances list, Buchan deserves his place on the list.
In my Top.10..... slightly "from the heart" but my first United hero..... sheer class
Hardly ever even heard of him. Looking him up was quite eye opening.
He ticked loads of boxes..... as the excellent write up you did suggests.
Leadership in spades but rarely shouted, smooth across the pitch but quick and could play a pass - bit like Rio. Also tough .... he ended Colin Bell's career in a derby cup match!
Spent ten years at United, took over captaincy from Charlton after being captain of Aberdeen at (I think) 21! Did the perfect cup double.... beat Celtic and Liverpool
.As write up says, if he'd played in a different era.... through the 80s, 90s or 00s, I think we'd be talking about him like we do about Foulkes, Rio, Stam, Vidic.
#firstUnitedlove
36th. Antonio Valencia
Joint 36th
(Two Players)
Nine Points each
36. Antonio Valencia
Premier League Appearances - 134 (36)
Overall Appearances - 182 (57)
Premier League Goals - 13
Overall Goals - 21
Position - Right Back/Right Winger
Antonio Valencia was signed in the summer of 2009, his job was to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as the right winger at Manchester United. As tasks go, this was probably the hardest he had in football. Nevertheless, Valencia has persisted in the first team squad for seven years now and is currently one of the longest serving players at Manchester United. In fact as of now, he is Manchester United's 83rd highest capped player. Not bad for a winger who joined from the lowly Wigan. If it wasn't for two horrendous injuries he'd probably be looking at Ronaldo's appearance record right about now.
"The good thing about Valencia is that he’s as tough as boots. Really tough. He can see it out and he has great stamina and great speed." said Sir Alex Ferguson part way through Valencia's first season. There's lots to admire about Antonio Valencia, his searing pace and stamina caused headaches for defenders consistently in his first few years at the club, in fact in his third year, the 2011/2012 season he won Manchester United's player of the year. Either side of that personal achievement he was instrumental in helping Manchester United win two Premier League trophies. In recent seasons he has showed his adaptability and is now primarily employed as a full back at the club. Despite a five month long absence from the team he has recently returned to full fitness and will hopefully aid our efforts to clinch a top four spot and an FA Cup trophy.
36. Tommy Taylor
36. Tommy Taylor
First Division Appearances - 166
Overall Appearances - 191
First Division Goals - 112
Overall Goals - 131
Position - Striker
"I'll tell you what. Tommy Taylor would be priceless today as a player and as a person. He would have broken all records for goal-scoring. He was better than Geoff Hurst who scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup final." Dickie Bird - Tommy Taylor's close friend.
Take a look at those figures above. You won't find many better goals to games ratios than the one that Tommy Taylor accumulated in his six seasons at the club. A powerful centre forward, Tommy Taylor scored a goal every two hours in his Manchester United career. An incredible header of the ball and an incredible turn of pace meant that Taylor is currently Manchester United's 14th top scorer playing only 166 times for the club.
Taylor signed for United for £29,999 in 1953. Matt Busby did not want him to be burdened by a £30,000 price tag, so he gave the tea lady at the negotiations a pound coin from his pocket. However any doubts about the Yorkshireman's talent soon extinguished after he scored two goals on his debut for the club. Since then he was a rock for both United and soon scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for England.
Unfortunately, the world never got to see how Taylor's career would ultimately pan out. On the 6th February 1958, Taylor's life was tragically cut short, along with seven other Manchester United players. Taylor was killed instantly in the crash and left behind a fiancée. I can't write much about the topic, as so many fantastic writers have eulogised what is the darkest day in our clubs history, but I'll end this section with a quote from Dickie about Taylor's personality.
"He may have shared digs with the likes of Bobby Charlton, but the fame did not change him. He always came home after a game and supped a pint in The Woodman. You used to in those days; players were close to their roots. Not now.
First Division Appearances - 166
Overall Appearances - 191
First Division Goals - 112
Overall Goals - 131
Position - Striker
"I'll tell you what. Tommy Taylor would be priceless today as a player and as a person. He would have broken all records for goal-scoring. He was better than Geoff Hurst who scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup final." Dickie Bird - Tommy Taylor's close friend.
Take a look at those figures above. You won't find many better goals to games ratios than the one that Tommy Taylor accumulated in his six seasons at the club. A powerful centre forward, Tommy Taylor scored a goal every two hours in his Manchester United career. An incredible header of the ball and an incredible turn of pace meant that Taylor is currently Manchester United's 14th top scorer playing only 166 times for the club.
Taylor signed for United for £29,999 in 1953. Matt Busby did not want him to be burdened by a £30,000 price tag, so he gave the tea lady at the negotiations a pound coin from his pocket. However any doubts about the Yorkshireman's talent soon extinguished after he scored two goals on his debut for the club. Since then he was a rock for both United and soon scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for England.
Unfortunately, the world never got to see how Taylor's career would ultimately pan out. On the 6th February 1958, Taylor's life was tragically cut short, along with seven other Manchester United players. Taylor was killed instantly in the crash and left behind a fiancée. I can't write much about the topic, as so many fantastic writers have eulogised what is the darkest day in our clubs history, but I'll end this section with a quote from Dickie about Taylor's personality.
"He may have shared digs with the likes of Bobby Charlton, but the fame did not change him. He always came home after a game and supped a pint in The Woodman. You used to in those days; players were close to their roots. Not now.
36. Tommy Taylor
First Division Appearances - 166
Overall Appearances - 191
First Division Goals - 112
Overall Goals - 131
Position - Striker
"I'll tell you what. Tommy Taylor would be priceless today as a player and as a person. He would have broken all records for goal-scoring. He was better than Geoff Hurst who scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup final." Dickie Bird - Tommy Taylor's close friend.
Take a look at those figures above. You won't find many better goals to games ratios than the one that Tommy Taylor accumulated in his six seasons at the club. A powerful centre forward, Tommy Taylor scored a goal every two hours in his Manchester United career. An incredible header of the ball and an incredible turn of pace meant that Taylor is currently Manchester United's 14th top scorer playing only 166 times for the club.
Taylor signed for United for £29,999 in 1953. Matt Busby did not want him to be burdened by a £30,000 price tag, so he gave the tea lady at the negotiations a pound coin from his pocket. However any doubts about the Yorkshireman's talent soon extinguished after he scored two goals on his debut for the club. Since then he was a rock for both United and soon scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for England.
Unfortunately, the world never got to see how Taylor's career would ultimately pan out. On the 6th February 1958, Taylor's life was tragically cut short, along with seven other Manchester United players. Taylor was killed instantly in the crash and left behind a fiancée. I can't write much about the topic, as so many fantastic writers have eulogised what is the darkest day in our clubs history, but I'll end this section with a quote from Dickie about Taylor's personality.
"He may have shared digs with the likes of Bobby Charlton, but the fame did not change him. He always came home after a game and supped a pint in The Woodman. You used to in those days; players were close to their roots. Not now.
I read a book once (honest!) by Nick Hancock... "what didn't happen next" - a humorous (sic) alternative history based on 'what ifs?' in the world of football. Obviously Munich is and always will be a key part of our history/ethos but when you think 'what if', it's a fair bet Real wouldn't have Europe all their own way and we'd have a few more titles?
You also think of the impact on England.. how long would Byrne have played for England, would Colman have become an England regular, how many games would Greaves have sat out because Taylor was there and the biggest change...... Duncan Edwards would have been an absolute regular so Jackie Charlton probably wouldn't have been in the 66 team and maybe Big Dunc would have been shouldered round Wembley as captain, not Moore?
Impossible to say. We definitely would've won more in the 50's, but our success in 1968 has deep emotional and historical connection to the Munich; our whole club philosophy and identity is based on how we dealt with his terrible tragedy. So it's entirely possible that, while winning more in the late 50's and 60's we wouldn't have become the club that we are now. Fergie probably wouldn't have come - too much would've been changed in the club's history before him to imagine that our 90's and 00's would've gone the way they did.I read a book once (honest!) by Nick Hancock... "what didn't happen next" - a humorous (sic) alternative history based on 'what ifs?' in the world of football. Obviously Munich is and always will be a key part of our history/ethos but when you think 'what if', it's a fair bet Real wouldn't have Europe all their own way and we'd have a few more titles?
You also think of the impact on England.. how long would Byrne have played for England, would Colman have become an England regular, how many games would Greaves have sat out because Taylor was there and the biggest change...... Duncan Edwards would have been an absolute regular so Jackie Charlton probably wouldn't have been in the 66 team and maybe Big Dunc would have been shouldered round Wembley as captain, not Moore?
Of course, there is a possibility that we would've go on and dominate domestic and european football for decades, building on the success of the Basby Babes, stealing the 80's from Liverpool etc.
34. Javier Hernandez
Joint 34th
(Two Players)
Ten Points each.
34. Javier Hernandez
Premier League Appearances - 49 (54)
Overall Appearances - 85 (72)
Premier League Goals - 37
Overall Goals - 59
Position - Striker
Manchester United announced they were signing Javier Hernandez on April 08th 2010 (pending a work permit), I remember reading about it at the time and some of these quotes from redcafe users show what the general feeling was.
Hernandez on the other hand was feeling a lot happier. "I feel like I am living a dream," Hernandez told MUTV. "All the impressions I have of the club are good and Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person, maybe the best coach in the world." Indeed while the young striker had previously got unnoticed for a large proportion of his early career, the Manchester United scouting network had found something in the player that would push him on to stardom. Moving from his team Chivas, Chicarito originally played against Manchester United in a friendly (and scored against us) before making his Manchester United appearance in the second half. He hardly stopped scoring after that. His competitive debut was in the Charity Shield where he scored against Chelsea and he continued the 2010/2011 season in fine form scoring 20 goals in 27 full games. Lightning pace, deadly accuracy and the ability to find space meant Chicharito was immediately a fan favourite, from humble beginnings we had found an incredibly talented poacher. He finished his debut season as Fans Player of the year.
He continued his fine goalscoring form for the next two seasons, scoring ten premier league goals despite often starting off the bench. His goalscoring form led him to two premier league titles at Old Trafford and he scored some vital goals particularly in Sir Alex Ferguson's final year, including a last minute winner against Newcastle in a 4-3 victory and a winner against Chelsea away from home. Chicharito has the honour of scoring the last ever goal under Alex Ferguson's regime, netting a goal in a 5-5 draw with West Brom away from home.
His last three seasons at the club were unfortunately not as successful as the player dropped down the pecking order, was loaned out and eventually sold to Bayern Leverkusen. To this day his great scoring record and fantastic attitude means he is a firm favourite at Old Trafford. I will end with a story that epitomises the player. Six years ago now we beat Blackburn 7-1, Hernandez was an unused substitute in the game. After the match I stayed with my little nephew getting autographs watching as various Manchester United players trotted to their cars, with only around half actually signing a few fans shirts and programmes. Chicharito stayed to sign every single item of memorabilia on display, before stopping to chat with a few disabled fans for a good ten minutes. He truly was a remarkable man.
(Two Players)
Ten Points each.
34. Javier Hernandez
Premier League Appearances - 49 (54)
Overall Appearances - 85 (72)
Premier League Goals - 37
Overall Goals - 59
Position - Striker
Manchester United announced they were signing Javier Hernandez on April 08th 2010 (pending a work permit), I remember reading about it at the time and some of these quotes from redcafe users show what the general feeling was.
Hernandez on the other hand was feeling a lot happier. "I feel like I am living a dream," Hernandez told MUTV. "All the impressions I have of the club are good and Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person, maybe the best coach in the world." Indeed while the young striker had previously got unnoticed for a large proportion of his early career, the Manchester United scouting network had found something in the player that would push him on to stardom. Moving from his team Chivas, Chicarito originally played against Manchester United in a friendly (and scored against us) before making his Manchester United appearance in the second half. He hardly stopped scoring after that. His competitive debut was in the Charity Shield where he scored against Chelsea and he continued the 2010/2011 season in fine form scoring 20 goals in 27 full games. Lightning pace, deadly accuracy and the ability to find space meant Chicharito was immediately a fan favourite, from humble beginnings we had found an incredibly talented poacher. He finished his debut season as Fans Player of the year.
He continued his fine goalscoring form for the next two seasons, scoring ten premier league goals despite often starting off the bench. His goalscoring form led him to two premier league titles at Old Trafford and he scored some vital goals particularly in Sir Alex Ferguson's final year, including a last minute winner against Newcastle in a 4-3 victory and a winner against Chelsea away from home. Chicharito has the honour of scoring the last ever goal under Alex Ferguson's regime, netting a goal in a 5-5 draw with West Brom away from home.
His last three seasons at the club were unfortunately not as successful as the player dropped down the pecking order, was loaned out and eventually sold to Bayern Leverkusen. To this day his great scoring record and fantastic attitude means he is a firm favourite at Old Trafford. I will end with a story that epitomises the player. Six years ago now we beat Blackburn 7-1, Hernandez was an unused substitute in the game. After the match I stayed with my little nephew getting autographs watching as various Manchester United players trotted to their cars, with only around half actually signing a few fans shirts and programmes. Chicharito stayed to sign every single item of memorabilia on display, before stopping to chat with a few disabled fans for a good ten minutes. He truly was a remarkable man.
34. Dennis Viollet
34. Dennis Viollet
First Division Appearances - 259
Overall Appearances - 293
First Division Goals - 159
Overall Goals - 179
Position - Striker
Linking up with the aforementioned Taylor, Dennis Viollet was a United striker that terrorised opposing defenders over the course of ten years at the club. Making his debut as a youngster in the 1952/53 season Viollet would go on to become the joint 5th top scorer at Manchester United of all time.
Coming up through the ranks, Viollet signed professional terms for Manchester United in 1950 and would make his debut against Newcastle in 1953. He would establish himself as a first team regular the following season and remained a staple in the Manchester United title winning sides of the 1955/56 and 1956/57 seasons. Unfortunately the next year the Busby Babes would suffer a disastrous plane crash and Viollet was lucky to escape with relatively minor head wounds. He returned to full fitness the following season, where he scored an incredible 32 goals in 36 games, a record that still stands to this day.
Viollet unfortunately passed away in 1999, however his legacy will continue at Old Trafford where the Mancunian played the best days of his career.
First Division Appearances - 259
Overall Appearances - 293
First Division Goals - 159
Overall Goals - 179
Position - Striker
Linking up with the aforementioned Taylor, Dennis Viollet was a United striker that terrorised opposing defenders over the course of ten years at the club. Making his debut as a youngster in the 1952/53 season Viollet would go on to become the joint 5th top scorer at Manchester United of all time.
Coming up through the ranks, Viollet signed professional terms for Manchester United in 1950 and would make his debut against Newcastle in 1953. He would establish himself as a first team regular the following season and remained a staple in the Manchester United title winning sides of the 1955/56 and 1956/57 seasons. Unfortunately the next year the Busby Babes would suffer a disastrous plane crash and Viollet was lucky to escape with relatively minor head wounds. He returned to full fitness the following season, where he scored an incredible 32 goals in 36 games, a record that still stands to this day.
Viollet unfortunately passed away in 1999, however his legacy will continue at Old Trafford where the Mancunian played the best days of his career.
Sorry about the delay yesterday, I didn't feel like thinking about football at all.
32. Robin Van Persie
Joint 32nd
(Two players)
14 points each
32. Robin Van Persie
Premier League Appearances - 78 (8)
Overall Appearances - 89 (16)
Premier League Goals - 48
Overall Goals - 58
Position - Striker
"I always listen to the little boy inside of me in these situations – when you have to make the harder decisions in life. What does he want? That boy was screaming for Man United."
Robin Van Persie moved to Manchester United football club after spending eight years at Arsenal. One year later and he had won the Premier League trophy he had so desperately sought all his time in London. Convinced to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson's last year in charge of the club, RVP wore number 20 as he helped Manchester United to a record breaking twentieth premier league trophy.
His first season was absolutely phenomenal, scoring twenty six premier league goals in a campaign where Manchester United blew their competition out of the water. His partnership with Rooney meant Manchester United were firing on all cylinders, and he scored a hat trick in a game against Aston Villa to confirm the title would once again be staying in the red part of Manchester.
It's a shame we didn't see RVP arrive at Manchester United earlier as after the initial fantastic season, his stock seemed to plummet rather fast. He seemed to struggle to play for David Moyes and subsequently Louis Van Gaal and while he would add another 22 goals in the next two years, he never really recaptured the magic he showed under Ferguson. Nevertheless his fantastic contribution to our club's most recent success earn him a spot on this list.
(Two players)
14 points each
32. Robin Van Persie
Premier League Appearances - 78 (8)
Overall Appearances - 89 (16)
Premier League Goals - 48
Overall Goals - 58
Position - Striker
"I always listen to the little boy inside of me in these situations – when you have to make the harder decisions in life. What does he want? That boy was screaming for Man United."
Robin Van Persie moved to Manchester United football club after spending eight years at Arsenal. One year later and he had won the Premier League trophy he had so desperately sought all his time in London. Convinced to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson's last year in charge of the club, RVP wore number 20 as he helped Manchester United to a record breaking twentieth premier league trophy.
His first season was absolutely phenomenal, scoring twenty six premier league goals in a campaign where Manchester United blew their competition out of the water. His partnership with Rooney meant Manchester United were firing on all cylinders, and he scored a hat trick in a game against Aston Villa to confirm the title would once again be staying in the red part of Manchester.
It's a shame we didn't see RVP arrive at Manchester United earlier as after the initial fantastic season, his stock seemed to plummet rather fast. He seemed to struggle to play for David Moyes and subsequently Louis Van Gaal and while he would add another 22 goals in the next two years, he never really recaptured the magic he showed under Ferguson. Nevertheless his fantastic contribution to our club's most recent success earn him a spot on this list.
Too bad that he struggled to emulate his domestic level in Europe - he should've ended the leg against Real even before the Nani/Cakir's red card. Still, his first season was worth every penny we spent on him
I read a book once (honest!) by Nick Hancock... "what didn't happen next" - a humorous (sic) alternative history based on 'what ifs?' in the world of football. Obviously Munich is and always will be a key part of our history/ethos but when you think 'what if', it's a fair bet Real wouldn't have Europe all their own way and we'd have a few more titles?
You also think of the impact on England.. how long would Byrne have played for England, would Colman have become an England regular, how many games would Greaves have sat out because Taylor was there and the biggest change...... Duncan Edwards would have been an absolute regular so Jackie Charlton probably wouldn't have been in the 66 team and maybe Big Dunc would have been shouldered round Wembley as captain, not Moore?
Stiles would have been the one to miss out as the DM in that team.
Charlton was the classic Centre-half…Duncan was only selected there once in a youth emergency so never his position.
32. Norman Whiteside
32. Norman Whiteside
14 points
First Division Appearances - 193 (13)
Overall Appearances - 256 (18)
First Division Goals - 47
Overall Goals - 67
Position - Midfield/Striker
First team player at 16. Retired aged 26. Norman Whiteside had a tumultuous footballing career filled with highs and lows, but still will do enough to be remembered as a Manchester United legend.
As Ron Atkinson's first season of Manchester United come to an end Norman Whiteside was handed his début at just 16 years of age. His second appearance came against Stoke in 2-0 win in which he scored, entering the record books as Manchester United's youngest scorer aged just 17 years and eight days old. The following season his impressive performances at the World Cup saw him become a first team regular and he missed only three games that season, taking part in 57 out of Manchester United's 60 games. Part of the reason for such a large number of games was United's impressive cup performances, and Whiteside scored in both the FA Cup and League Cup final, helping United to a FA Cup trophy in a 4-0 win over Brighton (He is still the youngest player to score in either an FA Cup or League Cup final)
He would repeat his cup heroics in subsequent seasons, scoring in the 1985 Cup Final against Everton, a goal that would win him the goal of the season award. The two FA Cup trophies were to be his only medals throughout his seven years at Manchester United and injuries really started to hamper his footballing career. As Sir Alex Ferguson took over in 1986 Whiteside found his first team opportunities hampered by recurring injuries, including a spell in which he missed almost a year in the 1987/88 season. Ferguson became tired of his injuries and sold the player to Everton, where once again he proved incapable of recovering from his knee injuries and retired age 26. Nevertheless Whiteside was held in great esteem by the Manchester United faithful and he did well enough to earn a high space on this list.
14 points
First Division Appearances - 193 (13)
Overall Appearances - 256 (18)
First Division Goals - 47
Overall Goals - 67
Position - Midfield/Striker
First team player at 16. Retired aged 26. Norman Whiteside had a tumultuous footballing career filled with highs and lows, but still will do enough to be remembered as a Manchester United legend.
As Ron Atkinson's first season of Manchester United come to an end Norman Whiteside was handed his début at just 16 years of age. His second appearance came against Stoke in 2-0 win in which he scored, entering the record books as Manchester United's youngest scorer aged just 17 years and eight days old. The following season his impressive performances at the World Cup saw him become a first team regular and he missed only three games that season, taking part in 57 out of Manchester United's 60 games. Part of the reason for such a large number of games was United's impressive cup performances, and Whiteside scored in both the FA Cup and League Cup final, helping United to a FA Cup trophy in a 4-0 win over Brighton (He is still the youngest player to score in either an FA Cup or League Cup final)
He would repeat his cup heroics in subsequent seasons, scoring in the 1985 Cup Final against Everton, a goal that would win him the goal of the season award. The two FA Cup trophies were to be his only medals throughout his seven years at Manchester United and injuries really started to hamper his footballing career. As Sir Alex Ferguson took over in 1986 Whiteside found his first team opportunities hampered by recurring injuries, including a spell in which he missed almost a year in the 1987/88 season. Ferguson became tired of his injuries and sold the player to Everton, where once again he proved incapable of recovering from his knee injuries and retired age 26. Nevertheless Whiteside was held in great esteem by the Manchester United faithful and he did well enough to earn a high space on this list.
What a player!!! In my Top.10 (along with two others in the 85 cup winning team). There have been lots of talented teens over the years (Owen, Rooney) but Whiteside was amazing....
I was at Wembley, behind to the right of the Everton right hand goalpost and had a decent view as the ball bent in...... then cue bedlam!!
He didn't do tap ins....
I was at Wembley, behind to the right of the Everton right hand goalpost and had a decent view as the ball bent in...... then cue bedlam!!
He didn't do tap ins....
30. Michael Carrick
Joint 30th
Two Players
19 Points Each.
30th Michael Carrick
Premier League Appearances - 244 (43)
Overall Appearances - 356 (59)
Premier League Goals - 17
Overall Goals - 23
Position - Central Midfielder
"The signing of Michael Carrick, a Pirlo when a Gattuso was needed, is a band aid for a bullet wound, and a ludicrously expensive one at that." - Rob Smyth The Guardian in an article entitled Ferguson - Shredding his legacy at every turn.
When Michael Carrick arrived at Manchester United 10 years ago, the above quite succinctly sums up the attitude to the current Manchester United team. Star striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy had been sold and it became evident that most people thought that this would start the downfall of Manchester United. A decade later, Carrick has won the Premier League five times and won the Champions League. Not bad for an overpriced waste of money.
Michael Carrick was often under appreciated in his time at Manchester United. As you can see above for a midfielder he doesn't add much of a goal threat and his assist statistics aren't much better either. However it is his ability to intercept and build the play that has made him such an asset to a Manchester United side for over 10 years now. His style of play led Ferguson to call him "The best English player of the game" (in 2014).
Carrick now sits 23rd in Manchester United's top all time appearance makers. He will almost certainly make 22nd by the time the season is out and it remains to be seen how much of a part the English midfielder will play next term. Nevertheless it's clear to see that his work over the last ten years has earned him a space on the list.
Two Players
19 Points Each.
30th Michael Carrick
Premier League Appearances - 244 (43)
Overall Appearances - 356 (59)
Premier League Goals - 17
Overall Goals - 23
Position - Central Midfielder
"The signing of Michael Carrick, a Pirlo when a Gattuso was needed, is a band aid for a bullet wound, and a ludicrously expensive one at that." - Rob Smyth The Guardian in an article entitled Ferguson - Shredding his legacy at every turn.
When Michael Carrick arrived at Manchester United 10 years ago, the above quite succinctly sums up the attitude to the current Manchester United team. Star striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy had been sold and it became evident that most people thought that this would start the downfall of Manchester United. A decade later, Carrick has won the Premier League five times and won the Champions League. Not bad for an overpriced waste of money.
Michael Carrick was often under appreciated in his time at Manchester United. As you can see above for a midfielder he doesn't add much of a goal threat and his assist statistics aren't much better either. However it is his ability to intercept and build the play that has made him such an asset to a Manchester United side for over 10 years now. His style of play led Ferguson to call him "The best English player of the game" (in 2014).
Carrick now sits 23rd in Manchester United's top all time appearance makers. He will almost certainly make 22nd by the time the season is out and it remains to be seen how much of a part the English midfielder will play next term. Nevertheless it's clear to see that his work over the last ten years has earned him a space on the list.
Di Maria??? Really????
Out of curiosity, where would people put Viollet when it comes to United attackers? Best striker we have ever had after Law and Rooney? Or ahead of Rooney? Or probably below Nistelrooy?
Hard to compare, as per usual. Different sort of strikers and all that.
For the stats fans I can report that Viollet ranks third among our more famous and more prolific strikers in terms of goals-per-game, behind Taylor and Van Nistelrooy (who are ridiculously close, by the way):
1. Tommy Taylor 0,685
2. Ruud van Nistelrooy 0,684
3. Dennis Viollet 0,610
For the stats fans I can report that Viollet ranks third among our more famous and more prolific strikers in terms of goals-per-game, behind Taylor and Van Nistelrooy (who are ridiculously close, by the way):
1. Tommy Taylor 0,685
2. Ruud van Nistelrooy 0,684
3. Dennis Viollet 0,610