Redcafe's favourite Manchester United players.
- Thread starter Wumminator
- Start date
My 2nd favorite player at 22!?
Too many great players. Our top twenty is exceptional.
I'll hazard a guess and say 3 GKs, 6 defenders, 8 midfielders and 3 forwards....
And that's missing loads out..... the volley away to Palace in the league, the Cup Final goal versus Palace, S Wednesday.... etc.
AND first United player to win PFA ..... And first ever player to win twice = legend?
Even with VDS already gone? So you're thinking Schmikes, De Gea and ... Gregg? Or Stepney?
I'm guessing the former based on real, non-footballing, heroics. With that kind of thing as a reason to include, it puts 'how good they were at football' into a bit of perspective, doesn't it?
I didn't actually realize that VDS had gone
Gregg has already been!
The next player upset me to just miss out on the top 20.
Proper legend for our club. Writing it up now.
Proper legend for our club. Writing it up now.
21. Dennis Irwin
21. Dennis Irwin
69 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 356 (12)
Overall Appearances - 511 (18)
Premier League Goals - 22
Overall Goals - 33
Position - Left Back
Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly one of the most influential men in Manchester United's history. The manager oversaw over 10 Premier League winning teams, as well as teams that garnered success in Europe throughout his decades long tenure. When asked about picking the best team in the time he had been at the club, he pondered the question for a while, before deciding it was impossible. He had overseen too many great players. There was however, one player he thought was deserving of a place. "Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in this team", said Sir Alex. Praise doesn't come much higher than that.
Dennis Irwin signed for Manchester United in 1990. He immediately went into the first team and stayed there for 12 more years. Throughout his time at Manchester United he was Mr. reliable. Always giving solid steady performances, his defending was consistent and strong, his attacking runs constant and his energy kept him playing at Old Trafford deep into his thirties. He was lethal with a free kick as well and would often chip in with goals from the penalty spot. Indeed, to this day Irwin remains 78th on the list of Manchester United top scorers.
Only seven players have played more times for Manchester United than Dennis Irwin. His remarkable career at the club saw him win seven premier league titles, three FA Cup trophies, a Champions League, a League Cup and one Super Cup. His outstanding career was highlighted in the 2002 Premier League celebration, which saw him named at left back of the decade in the Premier League's inaugural ten years.
His remarkable consistency and high level of performances can be summed up in this quote from Alex Ferguson, "At Highbury in one game, he had a bad pass back in the last minute and Bergkamp came in and scored. After the game the press said: 'You must be disappointed in that pass back.' I said: 'Well, one mistake in 10 years isn't bad.' He was an unbelievable player." The fact he is so highly valued by his old manager, the fans at the club and by his fellow professionals shows why Irwin scored so highly in this list.
69 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 356 (12)
Overall Appearances - 511 (18)
Premier League Goals - 22
Overall Goals - 33
Position - Left Back
Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly one of the most influential men in Manchester United's history. The manager oversaw over 10 Premier League winning teams, as well as teams that garnered success in Europe throughout his decades long tenure. When asked about picking the best team in the time he had been at the club, he pondered the question for a while, before deciding it was impossible. He had overseen too many great players. There was however, one player he thought was deserving of a place. "Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in this team", said Sir Alex. Praise doesn't come much higher than that.
Dennis Irwin signed for Manchester United in 1990. He immediately went into the first team and stayed there for 12 more years. Throughout his time at Manchester United he was Mr. reliable. Always giving solid steady performances, his defending was consistent and strong, his attacking runs constant and his energy kept him playing at Old Trafford deep into his thirties. He was lethal with a free kick as well and would often chip in with goals from the penalty spot. Indeed, to this day Irwin remains 78th on the list of Manchester United top scorers.
Only seven players have played more times for Manchester United than Dennis Irwin. His remarkable career at the club saw him win seven premier league titles, three FA Cup trophies, a Champions League, a League Cup and one Super Cup. His outstanding career was highlighted in the 2002 Premier League celebration, which saw him named at left back of the decade in the Premier League's inaugural ten years.
His remarkable consistency and high level of performances can be summed up in this quote from Alex Ferguson, "At Highbury in one game, he had a bad pass back in the last minute and Bergkamp came in and scored. After the game the press said: 'You must be disappointed in that pass back.' I said: 'Well, one mistake in 10 years isn't bad.' He was an unbelievable player." The fact he is so highly valued by his old manager, the fans at the club and by his fellow professionals shows why Irwin scored so highly in this list.
I didn't actually realize that VDS had gone
Oh bugger. Us two are doing well between us then.
20. David de Gea
20. David de Gea
91 Points
Premier League Appearances - 161
Overall Appearances - 219
Premier League Goals - 0
Overall Goals - 0
Position - Goalkeeper
It seems so long ago now, but at one point David de Gea's contribution to Manchester United was called into question. There was a genuine campaign at one point for Lindegaard to start over him in goal at the club. Yet here we are as David de Gea enters into his fifth season at the club, widely regarded as the best keeper in the league and extremely likely to pick up the Sir Matt Busby award for the player of the season for the third year in a row.
With Van der Sar leaving after the 2011 Champions League final, Manchester United had a huge green hole to fill. Enter the Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea signed from Atletico Madrid for a total of 18 million pounds. In his first season at the club, question marks were asked about the lanky Spaniard, as he would let in a succession of weak goals and would seem to struggle with the robust nature of the Premier league. Teams would often target the goalkeeper on crosses and corners and Manchester United fans were worried about their new signing. However, de Gea always kept the faith.
"All keepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do. I have every intention of spending many years here at Manchester United. I want to become a great United keeper and I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to get."
Ferguson kept with the goalkeeper and his faith was repaid tenfold. David was a massive influence on the club in the 2012/2013 season where he would win his first league title in England. As Sir Alex Ferguson retired, de Gea would continue playing under managers David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal and as the trophies dried up, de Gea's heroics would be a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing few seasons. His fantastic shot stopping ability, aerial presence and ability to snuff out danger means that de Gea has undoubtedly been Manchester United's best player in recent history. His peers recognised this when they voted him players' player of the year for the last two seasons.
His future remains up in the air, and there is always a chance a Spanish club might try and pry David de Gea back to his home country. Until then Manchester United fans can relax whenever a team breaks because we all know that Dave saves.
91 Points
Premier League Appearances - 161
Overall Appearances - 219
Premier League Goals - 0
Overall Goals - 0
Position - Goalkeeper
It seems so long ago now, but at one point David de Gea's contribution to Manchester United was called into question. There was a genuine campaign at one point for Lindegaard to start over him in goal at the club. Yet here we are as David de Gea enters into his fifth season at the club, widely regarded as the best keeper in the league and extremely likely to pick up the Sir Matt Busby award for the player of the season for the third year in a row.
With Van der Sar leaving after the 2011 Champions League final, Manchester United had a huge green hole to fill. Enter the Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea signed from Atletico Madrid for a total of 18 million pounds. In his first season at the club, question marks were asked about the lanky Spaniard, as he would let in a succession of weak goals and would seem to struggle with the robust nature of the Premier league. Teams would often target the goalkeeper on crosses and corners and Manchester United fans were worried about their new signing. However, de Gea always kept the faith.
"All keepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do. I have every intention of spending many years here at Manchester United. I want to become a great United keeper and I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to get."
Ferguson kept with the goalkeeper and his faith was repaid tenfold. David was a massive influence on the club in the 2012/2013 season where he would win his first league title in England. As Sir Alex Ferguson retired, de Gea would continue playing under managers David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal and as the trophies dried up, de Gea's heroics would be a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing few seasons. His fantastic shot stopping ability, aerial presence and ability to snuff out danger means that de Gea has undoubtedly been Manchester United's best player in recent history. His peers recognised this when they voted him players' player of the year for the last two seasons.
His future remains up in the air, and there is always a chance a Spanish club might try and pry David de Gea back to his home country. Until then Manchester United fans can relax whenever a team breaks because we all know that Dave saves.
Should the goals scored stats on a keeper not be changed to clean sheets instead?
Expected DDG to be higher.
I couldn't find them for some as easily, wish I could.
He hasn't really established himself as a club legend yet.
But the voting was at a time when he was possibly pulling off some of the greatest individual performances in recent years
"In any team of the decade, the full back slots are already nailed down - Denis Irwin at right back and Denis Irwin at left back" -Alan Hansen.
True that, but if anything he hasn't done anything to be thought of as higher than Dennis Irwin or Mark Hughes. I know what you mean though, his recent performances were certainly a standout.
De Gea should just get his act together and score more like Schmeichel
Is this actually genuine, if so I almost forgive him for the kids quote.
Almost true too if not for GNev imo (PL years for certain)
Love Irwin - what we'd give for a few Irwins today eh?
19. Gary Neville
19th Gary Neville
95 Points
Premier League Appearances - 380 (20)
Overall Appearances - 566 (36)
Premier League Goals - 5
Overall Goals - 7
Position - Right Back
In 1992, Gary Neville was the captain of a very talented youth side. Players from that side would go on to win an immeasurable number of trophies and would reach the very top levels of the game. While many of his contemporaries were more marketable and skilful, Neville's passion, desire and commitment made him one of the most successful footballers of all time and a certifiable Manchester United legend
Gary made his debut in 1992, in a UEFA cup match against Torpedo Moscow. The opposition didn't score that night as Neville announced his tough tackling style to the world. The Mancunian gave absolutely everything he had to the Manchester United shirt every time he put it on and it was this desire that kept his Manchester United career going well into his thirties. Every single player in this list from this point onwards has a massive trophy cabinet, but when a young Neville made his debut against Moscow, few could predict he would retire with eight Premier League trophies, two Champions League trophies, three FA Cups and a place in the "20 seasons Premier League team". Indeed it is easy to talk about Neville as someone who was passionate but limited in his playing style, but to be in the PFA Team of the year in five different seasons really highlights Neville's fantastic ability.
Gary Neville currently sits at fifth on the Manchester United all time appearance list. He has chants still sung about him every week at Old Trafford. His performances on the right side of defence, solid at the back and possessing a great ability to whip a cross in meant that he is one of footballs most decorated players. Not bad for a right back from Bury who dreamed of making it at his favourite club.
Of course no write up of Gary Neville is complete without mentioning how much he hated our rivals. This quote from G. Nev sums up how much he lived the United lifestyle. "I can’t stand Liverpool, I can’t stand Liverpool people, I can’t stand anything to do with them."
95 Points
Premier League Appearances - 380 (20)
Overall Appearances - 566 (36)
Premier League Goals - 5
Overall Goals - 7
Position - Right Back
In 1992, Gary Neville was the captain of a very talented youth side. Players from that side would go on to win an immeasurable number of trophies and would reach the very top levels of the game. While many of his contemporaries were more marketable and skilful, Neville's passion, desire and commitment made him one of the most successful footballers of all time and a certifiable Manchester United legend
Gary made his debut in 1992, in a UEFA cup match against Torpedo Moscow. The opposition didn't score that night as Neville announced his tough tackling style to the world. The Mancunian gave absolutely everything he had to the Manchester United shirt every time he put it on and it was this desire that kept his Manchester United career going well into his thirties. Every single player in this list from this point onwards has a massive trophy cabinet, but when a young Neville made his debut against Moscow, few could predict he would retire with eight Premier League trophies, two Champions League trophies, three FA Cups and a place in the "20 seasons Premier League team". Indeed it is easy to talk about Neville as someone who was passionate but limited in his playing style, but to be in the PFA Team of the year in five different seasons really highlights Neville's fantastic ability.
Gary Neville currently sits at fifth on the Manchester United all time appearance list. He has chants still sung about him every week at Old Trafford. His performances on the right side of defence, solid at the back and possessing a great ability to whip a cross in meant that he is one of footballs most decorated players. Not bad for a right back from Bury who dreamed of making it at his favourite club.
Of course no write up of Gary Neville is complete without mentioning how much he hated our rivals. This quote from G. Nev sums up how much he lived the United lifestyle. "I can’t stand Liverpool, I can’t stand Liverpool people, I can’t stand anything to do with them."
21. Dennis Irwin
69 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 356 (12)
Overall Appearances - 511 (18)
Premier League Goals - 22
Overall Goals - 33
Position - Left Back
Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly one of the most influential men in Manchester United's history. The manager oversaw over 10 Premier League winning teams, as well as teams that garnered success in Europe throughout his decades long tenure. When asked about picking the best team in the time he had been at the club, he pondered the question for a while, before deciding it was impossible. He had overseen too many great players. There was however, one player he thought was deserving of a place. "Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in this team", said Sir Alex. Praise doesn't come much higher than that.
Dennis Irwin signed for Manchester United in 1990. He immediately went into the first team and stayed there for 12 more years. Throughout his time at Manchester United he was Mr. reliable. Always giving solid steady performances, his defending was consistent and strong, his attacking runs constant and his energy kept him playing at Old Trafford deep into his thirties. He was lethal with a free kick as well and would often chip in with goals from the penalty spot. Indeed, to this day Irwin remains 78th on the list of Manchester United top scorers.
Only seven players have played more times for Manchester United than Dennis Irwin. His remarkable career at the club saw him win seven premier league titles, three FA Cup trophies, a Champions League, a League Cup and one Super Cup. His outstanding career was highlighted in the 2002 Premier League celebration, which saw him named at left back of the decade in the Premier League's inaugural ten years.
His remarkable consistency and high level of performances can be summed up in this quote from Alex Ferguson, "At Highbury in one game, he had a bad pass back in the last minute and Bergkamp came in and scored. After the game the press said: 'You must be disappointed in that pass back.' I said: 'Well, one mistake in 10 years isn't bad.' He was an unbelievable player." The fact he is so highly valued by his old manager, the fans at the club and by his fellow professionals shows why Irwin scored so highly in this list.
I'm with Fergie..... doing my all-time XI is tough, but a few players including Irwin are certs.
Defensively sound, excellent positional sense, nippy (especially over short distances), very tidy passer (both feet too), great at crossing and scored a few.... there might be some FB's who edge him in one of those categories, but doubt there's many so good in all areas... more like a "9/10" for me. Modern legend.
But the voting was at a time when he was possibly pulling off some of the greatest individual performances in recent years[/QUOTE]
There's your answer..... I think De Gea is the best goalie in the world and COULD edge Schmeicel as our all-time goalie if he carries on for another 5 or more seasons in this form, but some of these players were excellent for United for 6, 8, 10+ years.
In another club where they don't have many legendary players (like say ...... Liverpool
Two strikers to come now......
18. OGS
18. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
113 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 151 (84)
Overall Appearances - 216 (150)
Premier League Goals - 91
Overall Goals - 126
Position - Striker
"When Teddy scored, I thought, yes! I'm going to play 40 minutes of a Champions League Final. That's going to be unbelievable." - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 1999. He had replaced Andy Cole in the 81st minute of the game. We all know what happened next.
There's not many more iconic moments at our great football club. In probably the biggest game ever, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cemented himself as a Manchester United legend for decades to come. To this day mention the words "And Solskjaer has won it!" to a Manchester United fan and their eyes will gaze over as they think back to the miracle in Barcelona, where Ole sent United fans into rapture.
He joined Manchester United three years earlier, having arrived a relatively unknown player from Norwegian club Molde for 1.5 million. He made his debut against Blackburn in August. He come off the bench (he often would), he scored (he often would) within six minutes. Old Trafford had just got its first glimpse of the Babyface Assassin.
He would finish his first season with 18 Premier League goals, helping United win a Premier League trophy. Although he never hit 18 Premier League goals again in one season, he had an amazing ability to come on to the pitch and change the game in a moment, his precise finishing and ability to find space would win United countless points over his eleven year stay at the club. Over that time he would pick up six premier league trophies with the Red Devils.
As the 2003/2004 season started Ole Gunnar found himself playing in an unfamiliar right wing position. However, despite the relatively new role, Solskjaer's crossing ability and knack of scoring goals when the club needed it meant Ole was starting to thrive in his new role. That was until an injury against Panathanaikos would kick off a three year long battle against injuries. Ole would suffer fraction cheekbones, broken legs and intensive knee surgery that meant he was never going to be the same player again. Nevertheless, he battled back and scored his first premier league goal in over three years against Charlton in 2006, one of the best Premier League moments of all time.
Ole is still considered a legend at Old Trafford and his recent foray into management may mean we welcome back the great man again at some point in the near future. His goals have brought so much joy to so many Manchester United fans, a true icon in every sense of the word.
20 Legend.
113 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 151 (84)
Overall Appearances - 216 (150)
Premier League Goals - 91
Overall Goals - 126
Position - Striker
"When Teddy scored, I thought, yes! I'm going to play 40 minutes of a Champions League Final. That's going to be unbelievable." - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 1999. He had replaced Andy Cole in the 81st minute of the game. We all know what happened next.
There's not many more iconic moments at our great football club. In probably the biggest game ever, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cemented himself as a Manchester United legend for decades to come. To this day mention the words "And Solskjaer has won it!" to a Manchester United fan and their eyes will gaze over as they think back to the miracle in Barcelona, where Ole sent United fans into rapture.
He joined Manchester United three years earlier, having arrived a relatively unknown player from Norwegian club Molde for 1.5 million. He made his debut against Blackburn in August. He come off the bench (he often would), he scored (he often would) within six minutes. Old Trafford had just got its first glimpse of the Babyface Assassin.
He would finish his first season with 18 Premier League goals, helping United win a Premier League trophy. Although he never hit 18 Premier League goals again in one season, he had an amazing ability to come on to the pitch and change the game in a moment, his precise finishing and ability to find space would win United countless points over his eleven year stay at the club. Over that time he would pick up six premier league trophies with the Red Devils.
As the 2003/2004 season started Ole Gunnar found himself playing in an unfamiliar right wing position. However, despite the relatively new role, Solskjaer's crossing ability and knack of scoring goals when the club needed it meant Ole was starting to thrive in his new role. That was until an injury against Panathanaikos would kick off a three year long battle against injuries. Ole would suffer fraction cheekbones, broken legs and intensive knee surgery that meant he was never going to be the same player again. Nevertheless, he battled back and scored his first premier league goal in over three years against Charlton in 2006, one of the best Premier League moments of all time.
Ole is still considered a legend at Old Trafford and his recent foray into management may mean we welcome back the great man again at some point in the near future. His goals have brought so much joy to so many Manchester United fans, a true icon in every sense of the word.
20 Legend.
I loved him in that role. Such a shame about his injuries. One of my all time favourites.
18. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
113 Points.
Premier League Appearances - 151 (84)
Overall Appearances - 216 (150)
Premier League Goals - 91
Overall Goals - 126
Position - Striker
"When Teddy scored, I thought, yes! I'm going to play 40 minutes of a Champions League Final. That's going to be unbelievable." - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 1999. He had replaced Andy Cole in the 81st minute of the game. We all know what happened next.
There's not many more iconic moments at our great football club. In probably the biggest game ever, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cemented himself as a Manchester United legend for decades to come. To this day mention the words "And Solskjaer has won it!" to a Manchester United fan and their eyes will gaze over as they think back to the miracle in Barcelona, where Ole sent United fans into rapture.
He joined Manchester United three years earlier, having arrived a relatively unknown player from Norwegian club Molde for 1.5 million. He made his debut against Blackburn in August. He come off the bench (he often would), he scored (he often would) within six minutes. Old Trafford had just got its first glimpse of the Babyface Assassin.
He would finish his first season with 18 Premier League goals, helping United win a Premier League trophy. Although he never hit 18 Premier League goals again in one season, he had an amazing ability to come on to the pitch and change the game in a moment, his precise finishing and ability to find space would win United countless points over his eleven year stay at the club. Over that time he would pick up six premier league trophies with the Red Devils.
As the 2003/2004 season started Ole Gunnar found himself playing in an unfamiliar right wing position. However, despite the relatively new role, Solskjaer's crossing ability and knack of scoring goals when the club needed it meant Ole was starting to thrive in his new role. That was until an injury against Panathanaikos would kick off a three year long battle against injuries. Ole would suffer fraction cheekbones, broken legs and intensive knee surgery that meant he was never going to be the same player again. Nevertheless, he battled back and scored his first premier league goal in over three years against Charlton in 2006, one of the best Premier League moments of all time.
Ole is still considered a legend at Old Trafford and his recent foray into management may mean we welcome back the great man again at some point in the near future. His goals have brought so much joy to so many Manchester United fans, a true icon in every sense of the word.
20 Legend.
Still one of my favourite moments ever ....... "And Solskjaer has won it" was my fantasy football team name thereafter.
In a lot of teams, he'd have been no.1 striker but he wasn't..... a lot of players would have sulked or tried to move clubs but he knew how to be a member of a team/club (0% ego).
I only found out recently that doing his knee-slide ('99 CL Final) damaged his medial ligaments!
Ole..... great player, great guy and maybe, future MUFC manager in 5-10 years.
And finally, how to answer a stupid question..... LEGEND
http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/22/ole-g...in-post-liverpool-drubbing-interview-4673328/
Last edited:
Is that true about his knee slide hurting his ligaments? I always thought that was a myth that wasn't really supported.
Ahuh, I know a lot of Caf thought it was an urban legend too. My nephew sent me something a bit ago. Obviously not saved it, but quick Google (Google is our friend?)...... there's a piece in The Telegraph which implies it but other pages include a quote from him when asked the question ;
"I did get a medial ligament injury, which is nothing in football terms, three weeks,' he said. 'I can declare that it was nothing to do with what happened later' " (I.e. his injuries in following seasons)
yeah I'm not sure what to believe. It probably didn't help matters, but I feel like he played football for so long before his injuries became so massive that it was probably unrelated.
17. Wayne Rooney
17. Wayne Rooney
119 points
Premier League Appearances - 336 (26)
Overall Appearances - 468 (48)
Premier League Goals - 177
Overall Goals - 244
Position - Striker
When Wayne Rooney arrived at Manchester United in 2004, many eyebrows were raised over the massive fee. The 18 year old had only just made his breakthrough at Everton and was considered a good prospect, but obviously there were still doubts over the teenager's ability to justify the £28 million pound fee. That year he finished as United's top scorer in the league, announced himself with a debut hat trick in his debut in the Champions League and has more than justified his price in the meantime.
That isn't to say that Wayne Rooney's time at Manchester United has always been a success. The striker has famously given in two transfer requests and the reason that the striker is (relatively) low considering his contributions is probably because of this and the view of some fans that his abilities are on the wa(y)ne.
Nevertheless Wayne Rooney is currently second in Manchester United's top scorers of all time. With him being five goals behind current leader Bobby Charlton, if the striker stays at the club beyond this season (and potentially even this year) he will retire at the club as Manchester United's most prolific forward player. He holds the record for most premier league goals at one club and is currently England's all time top scorer. After twelve years at the club he is currently 9th in United's all time appearances list (if he is here next year there is a massive likelihood he will rise to sixth).
His trophy cabinet is just as impressive. Five Premier League trophies, two league cups and a Champions League are among the honours he has won in the United team. As well as that Rooney has twice won the premier league young player of the year, once won the overall player of the year and twice been voted as the Fans' Premier League player of the year. In 2005/2006 and the 2009/2010 season he was voted as Manchester United's player of the year and has been in the Premier League team of the year three times. He has scored in a Champions League final and his goal against Man City in 2011 has been voted the best Premier League goal of all time.
It's a shame that after all this unimaginable success at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney isn't seen in a more positive view by the entirety of the fanbase. Personally I'm looking forward to sitting down and telling my children one day about the incredible career of Wayne Rooney, when transfer requests are forgotten and all that remains is an incredible goalscoring record, fantastic contributions to amazing teams and a highlight real up there with anyone in the game.
119 points
Premier League Appearances - 336 (26)
Overall Appearances - 468 (48)
Premier League Goals - 177
Overall Goals - 244
Position - Striker
When Wayne Rooney arrived at Manchester United in 2004, many eyebrows were raised over the massive fee. The 18 year old had only just made his breakthrough at Everton and was considered a good prospect, but obviously there were still doubts over the teenager's ability to justify the £28 million pound fee. That year he finished as United's top scorer in the league, announced himself with a debut hat trick in his debut in the Champions League and has more than justified his price in the meantime.
That isn't to say that Wayne Rooney's time at Manchester United has always been a success. The striker has famously given in two transfer requests and the reason that the striker is (relatively) low considering his contributions is probably because of this and the view of some fans that his abilities are on the wa(y)ne.
Nevertheless Wayne Rooney is currently second in Manchester United's top scorers of all time. With him being five goals behind current leader Bobby Charlton, if the striker stays at the club beyond this season (and potentially even this year) he will retire at the club as Manchester United's most prolific forward player. He holds the record for most premier league goals at one club and is currently England's all time top scorer. After twelve years at the club he is currently 9th in United's all time appearances list (if he is here next year there is a massive likelihood he will rise to sixth).
His trophy cabinet is just as impressive. Five Premier League trophies, two league cups and a Champions League are among the honours he has won in the United team. As well as that Rooney has twice won the premier league young player of the year, once won the overall player of the year and twice been voted as the Fans' Premier League player of the year. In 2005/2006 and the 2009/2010 season he was voted as Manchester United's player of the year and has been in the Premier League team of the year three times. He has scored in a Champions League final and his goal against Man City in 2011 has been voted the best Premier League goal of all time.
It's a shame that after all this unimaginable success at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney isn't seen in a more positive view by the entirety of the fanbase. Personally I'm looking forward to sitting down and telling my children one day about the incredible career of Wayne Rooney, when transfer requests are forgotten and all that remains is an incredible goalscoring record, fantastic contributions to amazing teams and a highlight real up there with anyone in the game.
16. Patrice Evra
16. Patrice Evra
134 Points
Premier League Appearances - 265 (8)
Overall Appearances - 357 (22)
Premier League Goals - 7
Overall Goals - 10
Position - Left Back
“To play for Manchester United demands huge sacrifices. This is a club of hard workers. You are there to work hard, there are no glass jewels or trinkets here. At United you are carrying the weight of the club’s history. You become a Red Devil when you have fully understood that.”
To play for Manchester United and become a legend you often need a certain type of personality. Speak to any Manchester United fan about Patrice Evra and they'll tell you he simply just "got" being a Manchester United player. His position on this list certainly isn't bad for a player who was hauled off in January 2006 at half time in his debut game against Man City. At the time, United fans wondered who the young French man was after he had signed from Monaco a week earlier. At the end of the 2006 season Patrice Evra had only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, helping the team win the League Cup with a substitute appearance in the final.
The next season Evra's form would explode and his season would culminate with a spot in the Premier League best 11. He would score in a 7-1 rout over Roma in the Champions League and would help United lift the Premier League trophy at the end of 2007. The next year would be even better for the left back as he would be a mainstay in a Manchester United team that won the league and the Champions League, including playing a full 120 minutes in the Champions League final against Chelsea. While this was to be the highlight of Patrice Evra's stay at the club, he would be a mainstay in defence for the next six seasons.
Overall in his time at Manchester United, Evra's attacking runs mixed with his solid defensive capabilities made him one of the best left backs in the Premier League era. He would win five Premier leagues in total at Old Trafford and would feature in the best Premier League eleven three times in his nine year stay. His passionate temperament saw him draw ire from Scousers, Chelsea groundsmen and at one point seemingly the whole of France during his stay in Manchester but the Frenchman will go down as one of United's favourite players.
134 Points
Premier League Appearances - 265 (8)
Overall Appearances - 357 (22)
Premier League Goals - 7
Overall Goals - 10
Position - Left Back
“To play for Manchester United demands huge sacrifices. This is a club of hard workers. You are there to work hard, there are no glass jewels or trinkets here. At United you are carrying the weight of the club’s history. You become a Red Devil when you have fully understood that.”
To play for Manchester United and become a legend you often need a certain type of personality. Speak to any Manchester United fan about Patrice Evra and they'll tell you he simply just "got" being a Manchester United player. His position on this list certainly isn't bad for a player who was hauled off in January 2006 at half time in his debut game against Man City. At the time, United fans wondered who the young French man was after he had signed from Monaco a week earlier. At the end of the 2006 season Patrice Evra had only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, helping the team win the League Cup with a substitute appearance in the final.
The next season Evra's form would explode and his season would culminate with a spot in the Premier League best 11. He would score in a 7-1 rout over Roma in the Champions League and would help United lift the Premier League trophy at the end of 2007. The next year would be even better for the left back as he would be a mainstay in a Manchester United team that won the league and the Champions League, including playing a full 120 minutes in the Champions League final against Chelsea. While this was to be the highlight of Patrice Evra's stay at the club, he would be a mainstay in defence for the next six seasons.
Overall in his time at Manchester United, Evra's attacking runs mixed with his solid defensive capabilities made him one of the best left backs in the Premier League era. He would win five Premier leagues in total at Old Trafford and would feature in the best Premier League eleven three times in his nine year stay. His passionate temperament saw him draw ire from Scousers, Chelsea groundsmen and at one point seemingly the whole of France during his stay in Manchester but the Frenchman will go down as one of United's favourite players.
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@Twigginater - You state: At the end of the 2004 season Patrice Evra had only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, helping the team win the League Cup with a substitute appearance in the final.
But he didn't join until 2006
But he didn't join until 2006
@Twigginater - You state: At the end of the 2004 season Patrice Evra had only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, helping the team win the League Cup with a substitute appearance in the final.
But he didn't join until 2006
fecking hell, if I ever need am editor I know who to call!
Will amend now!
You're doing a good job
Thanks, getting there now, appreciate the eagle eyed people spotting mistakes really
Pat The best left-back of the Premier-league era for me, ahead of both Irwin and Cole. Love him so much!
The best left-back of the Premier-league era for me, ahead of both Irwin and Cole. Love him so much!
Great thread!