Redcafe's favourite Manchester United players.
- Thread starter Wumminator
- Start date
had it all, rare combination of skill, hard working and passion.
Btw the Wimbledon goal was in 1996, no?
Yes! Damnit I read back for mistakes as well.
So....... Stiles out for Cantona (but Prunier stays surely?!)
Aye..... just kidding. Think Eric was my no.1 (him or Scholes)
Agree with all of this..... went to the Legends game a few months ago and he put a peach of a curling cross right onto Scholes's head who made a perfectly timed run.... goal. Some people never lose it?10. David Beckham
236 points
Premier League Appearances - 237 (28)
Overall Appearances - 356 (38)
Premier League Goals - 62
Overall Goals - 85
Position - Right Midfielder
Some of you on this website reading this forum right now would not be here, would not be a Manchester United fan and would not even waste your time with this whole football malarkey without David Beckham. An entire generation of football fans call Beckham their favourite, there's a group of twenty something males in Engnd who can track their life based on the midfielder's hairstyles. (Is there anyone brave enough to admit they tried his mohawk?) He is an absolute icon of the game and one of the most popular footballers ever.
It all started in front of 16,649 fans on September 23rd 1992. Manchester United made the 200 mile trip to Brighton to take part in a League Cup second round game. Beckham had to settle for a place on the bench that day, however with 20 minutes left, Ferguson would tell Beckham to get ready, it was time for his debut. "I was so excited I bounced up of my seat and crack: I hit my head on the dugout" Beckham would later recall, his youthful exuberance didn't make much of a mark that night, but he had fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for Manchester United.
After this Beckham signed a professional contract with Manchester United in January 1993. His reserve exploits with players like Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes had made a name for the young London based midfielder and many clubs tried to sign David Beckham on loan. He would go to Preston on loan for a short period in the 1994/1995 season, before being recalled for the latter part of the season making his Premier League debut for the club in a game against Leeds United. Although the 1994/1995 season would end in disappointment for the Red Devils as they failed to win a trophy, David Beckham would start to establish himself in the first team and would make over ten appearances for Manchester United by the end of the season.
After the end of the 1994/95 season Sir Alex Ferguson made the unusual step of letting numerous first team players leave (Kanchelskis, Ince and Hughes) and didn't sign anyone to replace them. However, Fergie's massive faith in his young players was justified as United won a league and cup double. David Beckham established himself as United's right midfielder, playing forty times for Manchester United that season, and setting up a winning goal for Eric Cantona in the FA Cup final.
Beckham continued to play regularly for Manchester United and his work ethic and fabulous crossing ability meant that he had become a first team fixture at United at this point. However, his rise to stardom was quickened when facing Wimbledon in August 1996, when in the 90th minute of a match he noticed Neil Sullivan off his line and managed to lob him from inside his own half. That season would see Beckham be named PFA Young Player of the year and he would help Manchester United win the Premier League once again.
There was one more final piece to the puzzle and it came in 1997 after Eric Cantona's shock retirement. After the United legend retired, the coveted number seven shirt come up for grabs, and there was only one candidate who could truly carry the weight of the shirt. Nowadays David Beckham is known affectionately as DB7, but he only got this shirt almost five years after his first appearance in the Manchester United red.
There are so many great David Beckham moments at the club that this post could easily be twenty times as long. The clubs historic Champions League win in 1999 will be forever remembered by the club, and United's two last minute goals came courtesy of David Beckham corners. His accuracy with free kicks, corners and crossing meant that he would have incredible assissts through his Manchester United career, (my personal favourite, a peach of a first time cross for Dwight Yorke to head in at Anfield) and his goal scoring record wasn't bad as well.
Overall in his time at the club, David Beckham would win six Premier League trophies (he was only a first team regular for eight seasons at the club) a Champions League medal and Two FA Cups. It is a shame he didn't stay longer and really cement his legacy, and I think the only reason he is relatively low on this list is because unfortunately he doesn't have the longevity of other people higher up this list. Nevertheless a true legend of Manchester United football club and a player who will live long in the memory.
We've had better players, we've had players who have scored/set up more, we've had players that have played longer and players that have won more, BUT if I was making a robot footballer, I'd be tempted to give it the right foot of David Beckham.
Someone needs to give that guy a serious interview. He'd be a gold mine.
Agree with all of this..... went to the Legends game a few months ago and he put a peach of a curling cross right onto Scholes's head who made a perfectly timed run.... goal. Some people never lose it?
We've had better players, we've had players who have scored/set up more, we've had players that have played longer and players that have won more, BUT if I was making a robot footballer, I'd be tempted to give it the right foot of David Beckham.
Yeah I'd agree with that. It must be nostalgia but Im sure the lad just never put a bad cross in. The crossing nowadays (and previously from Rafael and Nani) used to have me tearing my hair out!
9. Bryan Robson
9. Bryan Robson
292 points
First Division Appearances - 326 (19)
Overall Appearances - 437 (24)
First Division Goals - 74
Overall Goals - 99
Position - Midfield
In the 1992/93 season Manchester United finally ended a 26 year long wait and claimed the Premier League title, a lot of players from that season have previously been seen on this list. However, it probably meant more to Captain Marvel Bryan Robson than any other player on the pitch. In his twelfth season at the club the man who epitomised the clubs fighting spirit and never say die spirit had finally captured the elusive prize.
His Manchester United story began much earlier when he signed for the Red Devils on the 1st of October 1981 from Midlands side West Bromwich Albion. The midfielder cost a British record 1.5 million transfer fee as manager Ron Atkinson wanted to be reunited with his player after he himself had made the switch from the Baggies.
His league debut came on the 10th of October as he wore the number seven shirt for the first time in a draw with our arch rivals Manchester City. He would later make the number seven shirt his own and to this day fans can be seen at Old Trafford with his name emblazoned on their replica jerseys. It didn't take long for Manchester United fans to fall in love with the inspirational midfielder and he replaced Ray Wilkins as Manchester United captain early on in his Old Trafford days. To this day he is the longest reigning Manchester United captain as he kept the captains armband for almost the entirety of his stay in Manchester.
In his second year at the club Robson would life his first of three FA Cup trophies. Playing in the 1983 final, Robson scored twice and turned down a penalty as United won the replay 4-0. He became only the second English Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup and the first since 1909. He would add two more triumphs in 1985 and 1990.
Along side his two premier league wins in 1992 and 1993 Robson has an impressive trophy haul in his time at the club. But even when United weren't winning trophies regularly they could turn up week in and week out and see the hard tackling midfielder giving it all for the shirt. His endless supply of stamina, never say die attitude and late runs into the box saw him become a perfect midfield general, someone who could lead by example and pushed his team onto greater heights.
I'll leave the last words to someone who played under his leadership. You can tell from his words how respected Robson is and it is no surprise that when a group of Manchester United legends voted for their all time favourite Manchester United player in 2011, Bryan Robson came out on top.
"Robson would be all over the pitch, terrorising the opposition’s defence, menacing the midfield and smacking in goals. Bryan could do anything, he was Captain Courageous, and bloomin’ hell, he would often win games on his own.” - Lou Macari
292 points
First Division Appearances - 326 (19)
Overall Appearances - 437 (24)
First Division Goals - 74
Overall Goals - 99
Position - Midfield
In the 1992/93 season Manchester United finally ended a 26 year long wait and claimed the Premier League title, a lot of players from that season have previously been seen on this list. However, it probably meant more to Captain Marvel Bryan Robson than any other player on the pitch. In his twelfth season at the club the man who epitomised the clubs fighting spirit and never say die spirit had finally captured the elusive prize.
His Manchester United story began much earlier when he signed for the Red Devils on the 1st of October 1981 from Midlands side West Bromwich Albion. The midfielder cost a British record 1.5 million transfer fee as manager Ron Atkinson wanted to be reunited with his player after he himself had made the switch from the Baggies.
His league debut came on the 10th of October as he wore the number seven shirt for the first time in a draw with our arch rivals Manchester City. He would later make the number seven shirt his own and to this day fans can be seen at Old Trafford with his name emblazoned on their replica jerseys. It didn't take long for Manchester United fans to fall in love with the inspirational midfielder and he replaced Ray Wilkins as Manchester United captain early on in his Old Trafford days. To this day he is the longest reigning Manchester United captain as he kept the captains armband for almost the entirety of his stay in Manchester.
In his second year at the club Robson would life his first of three FA Cup trophies. Playing in the 1983 final, Robson scored twice and turned down a penalty as United won the replay 4-0. He became only the second English Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup and the first since 1909. He would add two more triumphs in 1985 and 1990.
Along side his two premier league wins in 1992 and 1993 Robson has an impressive trophy haul in his time at the club. But even when United weren't winning trophies regularly they could turn up week in and week out and see the hard tackling midfielder giving it all for the shirt. His endless supply of stamina, never say die attitude and late runs into the box saw him become a perfect midfield general, someone who could lead by example and pushed his team onto greater heights.
I'll leave the last words to someone who played under his leadership. You can tell from his words how respected Robson is and it is no surprise that when a group of Manchester United legends voted for their all time favourite Manchester United player in 2011, Bryan Robson came out on top.
"Robson would be all over the pitch, terrorising the opposition’s defence, menacing the midfield and smacking in goals. Bryan could do anything, he was Captain Courageous, and bloomin’ hell, he would often win games on his own.” - Lou Macari
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Was my Dad's favourite player was Robson. Dad's always said if we had him over the last three years he'd transform us into a proper team by himself.
Yep, the official 'dads favourite.'
I am surprised to see Yorke so low down the list, behind Kagawa and Nani even
Great thread, reading through made me sad, so many great players that played for us.
Great thread, reading through made me sad, so many great players that played for us.
I am surprised to see Yorke so low down the list, behind Kagawa and Nani even
Great thread, reading through made me sad, so many great players that played for us.
There's players like Yorke who aren't top ten players. Everyone loves them but very few would put them in their top ten of all times.
Brown, Butt, P Neville etc are also examples of this.
8. Peter Schmeichel
8. Peter Schmeichel
360 points
Premier League Appearances - 252
Overall Appearances - 398
Premier League Goals - 0
Overall Goals - 1
Position - Goalkeeper
I don't think I've ever seen a better goalkeeper play the game than Peter Schmeichel. He was an absolute colossus and although I'm not old enough to remember his early run in the team, some of my abiding earliest memories of Manchester United involve the Great Dane making save after save after save.
When Sir Alex Ferguson signed young Peter from Danish side Brondby on the 6th August 1991 he was relatively unknown in England. However in the eight years he played for Manchester United he quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 10 years on from his initial signing, Ferguson described the keeper as "the bargain of the century."
It's not hard to see why. In his initial year at Manchester United, Schmeichel was voted the best goalkeeper in the world and came so close to the Premier League title. A year later the team went one better and Peter kept 22 clean sheets in the league as United won the premier league for the first time in 26 years. He would go onto win another four Premier League trophies in his time at the club, including the treble season of 1999, the year Peter Schmeichel chose to leave the Red Devils seeking to find a slower paced league at the age of 36.
It's hard to pick the Danish keepers best attributes. He was fantastic at distributing the ball, his long balls became the stuff of legend. His reflexes were top notch, anything but the best shot wouldn't beat Schmeichel. His ability to make himself big and control the box when strikers were racing towards him was phenomenal and in my opinion has never been recreated. Safe to say United fans could relax with Peter in goal.
This was only emphasised further with the time it took to replace the keeper in the United net. Although many players tried, it wasn't until Edwin van der Sar arrived years later that we truly had a keeper who could hold a candle to Peter.
I often like to end with quotes about players, as nobody knows these players better then the men who played with them. Here's just a few of the glittering recommendations from his fellow professionals.
"I don’t believe a better goalkeeper played the game. He is a giant figure in the history of Manchester United.” - Sir Alex Ferguson
“Goalkeepers win you games sometimes, and Peter Schmeichel won more games than any other goalkeeper I’ve ever seen.” - Ryan Giggs
“When people talk about players who made United so successful, he would be competing for one of the top slots. His influence in those initial title triumphs was just as big as Eric Cantona’s. " - Jamie Carragher
360 points
Premier League Appearances - 252
Overall Appearances - 398
Premier League Goals - 0
Overall Goals - 1
Position - Goalkeeper
I don't think I've ever seen a better goalkeeper play the game than Peter Schmeichel. He was an absolute colossus and although I'm not old enough to remember his early run in the team, some of my abiding earliest memories of Manchester United involve the Great Dane making save after save after save.
When Sir Alex Ferguson signed young Peter from Danish side Brondby on the 6th August 1991 he was relatively unknown in England. However in the eight years he played for Manchester United he quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 10 years on from his initial signing, Ferguson described the keeper as "the bargain of the century."
It's not hard to see why. In his initial year at Manchester United, Schmeichel was voted the best goalkeeper in the world and came so close to the Premier League title. A year later the team went one better and Peter kept 22 clean sheets in the league as United won the premier league for the first time in 26 years. He would go onto win another four Premier League trophies in his time at the club, including the treble season of 1999, the year Peter Schmeichel chose to leave the Red Devils seeking to find a slower paced league at the age of 36.
It's hard to pick the Danish keepers best attributes. He was fantastic at distributing the ball, his long balls became the stuff of legend. His reflexes were top notch, anything but the best shot wouldn't beat Schmeichel. His ability to make himself big and control the box when strikers were racing towards him was phenomenal and in my opinion has never been recreated. Safe to say United fans could relax with Peter in goal.
This was only emphasised further with the time it took to replace the keeper in the United net. Although many players tried, it wasn't until Edwin van der Sar arrived years later that we truly had a keeper who could hold a candle to Peter.
I often like to end with quotes about players, as nobody knows these players better then the men who played with them. Here's just a few of the glittering recommendations from his fellow professionals.
"I don’t believe a better goalkeeper played the game. He is a giant figure in the history of Manchester United.” - Sir Alex Ferguson
“Goalkeepers win you games sometimes, and Peter Schmeichel won more games than any other goalkeeper I’ve ever seen.” - Ryan Giggs
“When people talk about players who made United so successful, he would be competing for one of the top slots. His influence in those initial title triumphs was just as big as Eric Cantona’s. " - Jamie Carragher
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Schmeichel
He was my absolute favourite player in the world when he was with us.
He was my absolute favourite player in the world when he was with us.
And now we get to my Caf name.9. Bryan Robson
292 points
First Division Appearances - 326 (19)
Overall Appearances - 437 (24)
First Division Goals - 74
Overall Goals - 99
Position - Midfield
In the 1992/93 season Manchester United finally ended a 26 year long wait and claimed the Premier League title, a lot of players from that season have previously been seen on this list. However, it probably meant more to Captain Marvel Bryan Robson than any other player on the pitch. In his twelfth season at the club the man who epitomised the clubs fighting spirit and never say die spirit had finally captured the elusive prize.
His Manchester United story began much earlier when he signed for the Red Devils on the 1st of October 1981 from Midlands side West Bromwich Albion. The midfielder cost a British record 1.5 million transfer fee as manager Ron Atkinson wanted to be reunited with his player after he himself had made the switch from the Baggies.
His league debut came on the 10th of October as he wore the number seven shirt for the first time in a draw with our arch rivals Manchester City. He would later make the number seven shirt his own and to this day fans can be seen at Old Trafford with his name emblazoned on their replica jerseys. It didn't take long for Manchester United fans to fall in love with the inspirational midfielder and he replaced Ray Wilkins as Manchester United captain early on in his Old Trafford days. To this day he is the longest reigning Manchester United captain as he kept the captains armband for almost the entirety of his stay in Manchester.
In his second year at the club Robson would life his first of three FA Cup trophies. Playing in the 1983 final, Robson scored twice and turned down a penalty as United won the replay 4-0. He became only the second English Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup and the first since 1909. He would add two more triumphs in 1985 and 1990.
Along side his two premier league wins in 1992 and 1993 Robson has an impressive trophy haul in his time at the club. But even when United weren't winning trophies regularly they could turn up week in and week out and see the hard tackling midfielder giving it all for the shirt. His endless supply of stamina, never say die attitude and late runs into the box saw him become a perfect midfield general, someone who could lead by example and pushed his team onto greater heights.
I'll leave the last words to someone who played under his leadership. You can tell from his words how respected Robson is and it is no surprise that when a group of Manchester United legends voted for their all time favourite Manchester United player in 2011, Bryan Robson came out on top.
"Robson would be all over the pitch, terrorising the opposition’s defence, menacing the midfield and smacking in goals. Bryan could do anything, he was Captain Courageous, and bloomin’ hell, he would often win games on his own.” - Lou Macari
Without demeaning Keane in any way (he was a GREAT player), Keane played in great teams..... Schmeicel, Eric, Scholes, Stam, Irwin, the list goes on and that's got to help?
Bryan Robson didn't have that luxury.... he played in some decent 80's teams with some very good players such as Whiteside, Hughes, McGrath but also players like Duxbury, Bailey, Gidman.
As a teen in the 80's, I will love those United sides til the day I die, especially the mid 80's team, but they were nowhere near the 90's teams/players and yet despite this, United did some amazing things and Bryan Robson... sometimes almost single-handedly ... was the main reason. He was simply phenomenal.... not a huge player, but an engine like Keane, a leader like Bruce, ability to time runs into the box like Scholes, could tap in and hit screamers, he had it all. I never ever saw a game were he didn't give every single ounce regardless of opponent or situation.
If you're a United fan, you must have heard of the United v Barcelona 2nd leg match. If you haven't, watch below..... If you have, watch it again. "Two goals in two minutes" is probably as famous for "older" fans as "and Solskjaer has won it!" 4:30 in, Robson on shoulders ...
Robson missed the semis and we lost by the odd goal in five against a great Juve team (Scirea, Tardelli, Gentile, Boniek, Rossi, Platini!) - we'd have won with Robson But this is just a famous example, watch the 91 Cup Winners Cup Final, he was excellent, look at the goals he scored in semis and finals including my favourite v Liverpool....
He was my Duncan Edwards..... Keane was great but before Keane there was Robson.
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What a brilliant post @BeforeKeanetherewasRobson, I've really enjoyed your contributions to this thread. When I have a few minutes will watch some of these videos.
Thanks, I tend to go all misty eyed when talking about Robson.
He had all the ability plus that talismanic effect that rare players (like Best and Eric) had ... looks like your Dad agrees? Smart man
......... and likewise to you. The thread is excellent, especially your player write ups and far better than the rubbish that so called 'journalists' write in papers/web.
If I could just take this thread/discussion and move it to a pub with a lock-in, peanuts and a TV, I'd be in paradise.
Schmeichel
He was my absolute favourite player in the world when he was with us.
Me to. Had the awful green and awful purple kits when I was a lad.
Are you sure Schmeichel's total goals are zero?
Of course it isn't. I even wrote it up in one of the drafts of his write up! Just copied and pasted it from another goalkeeper and didn't even think.
That reminds me, Peter became the first goalkeeper to score in the Premier League, anyone know the others?
Howard scored one, against Bolton if I remember correctly
I remember his european goal but who did he score against in the league?
Everton in 2001, for Aston Villa.
Ah right, I must look it up
Just read that after the loss to Sassuolo Juventus team locked themselves in the dressing room and had a meeting. First, the captain spoke. Second was Evra. After that they managed to save a what was going to be a disastrous season and won 24 out of their 25 remaining league games. He is (was for us) such a character! Miss him dearly.
7. Bobby Charlton
7. Bobby Charlton
434 points.
First Division Appearances - 604 (2)
Overall Appearances - 756 (2)
First Division Goals - 199
Overall Goals - 249
Position - Striker
Bobby Charlton epitomises Manchester United. Nobody has scored more goals for the club than Charlton and his statue proudly stands outside Old Trafford cementing himself in the lore and continuing story of this football club. His footballing achievements are astronomical, but it has to be remembered that Charlton is also known for being an ambassador for the club, his name becoming synonymous with fair play and kindness.
Manchester United signed the 15 year old Charlton on the 1st January 1953 after the young striker had impressed local scouts. He would work his way through the youth teams destroying all that come before him until he made his debut for the first team in a league match against Charlton in 1956. He would score two that day to secure the win for Manchester United. Not many would have predicted that this player would go onto lead the all time scoring charts for the club over 60 years later. After the game Charlton would have to travel back to Shrewsbury where him and Duncan Edwards were completing their national service. Football was a different game back then.
Charlton went onto score ten league goals for Manchester United in that year, his first of a seventeen year spell at the club. He would also lift the First Division trophy for the first time, his later United years would contribute another two trophies to his collection. A year later he would take part in the European cup campaign that ended in disastrous circumstances with the United team plane crashing in Munich. Although Charlton survived the crash, he was injured and upon being discharged a week after the accident he would return home without eight of his team-mates.
At just 20 years old Bobby Charlton was now one of the players that Manchester United would build around and he would have continued success at the club. He was part of the team that lifted the FA Cup trophy in 1963, ten years after he initially signed for the club. He would then lead the club to the Premier League title in 1965 and 1967. And then ten years after the disaster in 1968 he would captain Manchester United to the Champions League, scoring twice in a 4-1 extra time win over Benfica.
That would be Charlton's last major honour at Manchester United but he would still retire a legend at the club. After falling to such massive lows and raising the club to such massive heights, Charlton would leave the club on the 28th April, 1973. A hero both on and off the pitch, Charlton is remembered to this day for his ability to score a goal from anywhere with two immensely powerful feet. You can hear the admiration in his former manager's voice when Matt Busby says, "There has never been a more popular footballer. He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be"
434 points.
First Division Appearances - 604 (2)
Overall Appearances - 756 (2)
First Division Goals - 199
Overall Goals - 249
Position - Striker
Bobby Charlton epitomises Manchester United. Nobody has scored more goals for the club than Charlton and his statue proudly stands outside Old Trafford cementing himself in the lore and continuing story of this football club. His footballing achievements are astronomical, but it has to be remembered that Charlton is also known for being an ambassador for the club, his name becoming synonymous with fair play and kindness.
Manchester United signed the 15 year old Charlton on the 1st January 1953 after the young striker had impressed local scouts. He would work his way through the youth teams destroying all that come before him until he made his debut for the first team in a league match against Charlton in 1956. He would score two that day to secure the win for Manchester United. Not many would have predicted that this player would go onto lead the all time scoring charts for the club over 60 years later. After the game Charlton would have to travel back to Shrewsbury where him and Duncan Edwards were completing their national service. Football was a different game back then.
Charlton went onto score ten league goals for Manchester United in that year, his first of a seventeen year spell at the club. He would also lift the First Division trophy for the first time, his later United years would contribute another two trophies to his collection. A year later he would take part in the European cup campaign that ended in disastrous circumstances with the United team plane crashing in Munich. Although Charlton survived the crash, he was injured and upon being discharged a week after the accident he would return home without eight of his team-mates.
At just 20 years old Bobby Charlton was now one of the players that Manchester United would build around and he would have continued success at the club. He was part of the team that lifted the FA Cup trophy in 1963, ten years after he initially signed for the club. He would then lead the club to the Premier League title in 1965 and 1967. And then ten years after the disaster in 1968 he would captain Manchester United to the Champions League, scoring twice in a 4-1 extra time win over Benfica.
That would be Charlton's last major honour at Manchester United but he would still retire a legend at the club. After falling to such massive lows and raising the club to such massive heights, Charlton would leave the club on the 28th April, 1973. A hero both on and off the pitch, Charlton is remembered to this day for his ability to score a goal from anywhere with two immensely powerful feet. You can hear the admiration in his former manager's voice when Matt Busby says, "There has never been a more popular footballer. He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be"
What?!
This is crazy, really.
On terms of pure skill he is only bested by Best and Ronaldo, and not by much
Longevity? Giggs, Scholes maybe, but there is not much between them
Influence? Cantona, Keane, Robson, but Charlton is up here
And he is the living personification of our club and all what it stands for (unlike Giggs for example)
Definitely n. 1 in my opinion.
This is crazy, really.
On terms of pure skill he is only bested by Best and Ronaldo, and not by much
Longevity? Giggs, Scholes maybe, but there is not much between them
Influence? Cantona, Keane, Robson, but Charlton is up here
And he is the living personification of our club and all what it stands for (unlike Giggs for example)
Definitely n. 1 in my opinion.
Thing is original post was asking for "favourite" players not necessarily our ten "best".... hence why I had Martin Buchan in the list but couldn't find room for Stam.
Not really, it was "top ten Manchester United players", the rest was up to interpretation - only in this thread it was specified
Not really, it was "list your personal top ten United players of all time. It could be the players who are the best, it could be the players who are your favourite, it could be the players who mean the most to you because of some bizarre reason that no-one else will understand" - only in this thread it was specified.
Unfortunately never got to see him play at his peak live (though oddly, I did see him when he turned out for Sammy McIlroys testimonial7. Bobby Charlton
434 points.
First Division Appearances - 604 (2)
Overall Appearances - 756 (2)
First Division Goals - 199
Overall Goals - 249
Position - Striker
Bobby Charlton epitomises Manchester United. Nobody has scored more goals for the club than Charlton and his statue proudly stands outside Old Trafford cementing himself in the lore and continuing story of this football club. His footballing achievements are astronomical, but it has to be remembered that Charlton is also known for being an ambassador for the club, his name becoming synonymous with fair play and kindness.
Manchester United signed the 15 year old Charlton on the 1st January 1953 after the young striker had impressed local scouts. He would work his way through the youth teams destroying all that come before him until he made his debut for the first team in a league match against Charlton in 1956. He would score two that day to secure the win for Manchester United. Not many would have predicted that this player would go onto lead the all time scoring charts for the club over 60 years later. After the game Charlton would have to travel back to Shrewsbury where him and Duncan Edwards were completing their national service. Football was a different game back then.
Charlton went onto score ten league goals for Manchester United in that year, his first of a seventeen year spell at the club. He would also lift the First Division trophy for the first time, his later United years would contribute another two trophies to his collection. A year later he would take part in the European cup campaign that ended in disastrous circumstances with the United team plane crashing in Munich. Although Charlton survived the crash, he was injured and upon being discharged a week after the accident he would return home without eight of his team-mates.
At just 20 years old Bobby Charlton was now one of the players that Manchester United would build around and he would have continued success at the club. He was part of the team that lifted the FA Cup trophy in 1963, ten years after he initially signed for the club. He would then lead the club to the Premier League title in 1965 and 1967. And then ten years after the disaster in 1968 he would captain Manchester United to the Champions League, scoring twice in a 4-1 extra time win over Benfica.
That would be Charlton's last major honour at Manchester United but he would still retire a legend at the club. After falling to such massive lows and raising the club to such massive heights, Charlton would leave the club on the 28th April, 1973. A hero both on and off the pitch, Charlton is remembered to this day for his ability to score a goal from anywhere with two immensely powerful feet. You can hear the admiration in his former manager's voice when Matt Busby says, "There has never been a more popular footballer. He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be"
).... it's all videos but you can see the talent as clear as day and to play at a top level for a top club for so long (plus England) is wonderful.Apart from being an obviously great player (you don't win leagues, cups, a European Cup, a European Player of The Year award and a WORLD CUP otherwise??), with Foulkes and Busby, he is the link between Munich and '68. You have to wonder how he must have felt finally achieving the Holy Grail but remembering all the players (friends) that should have won it with him but didn't..... when you watch him at the end with Busby, it's like a 10-year emotional dam broke.
As I said, never saw him live in playing career so my favourite memory is when the camera went to him, in the stands after we won the '99 European Cup Final. He stood there beaming, clapping... so clearly proud. After everything he'd done and everything he'd won, he was still just happy for the players and the club.
He deserves everything .... every medal, every accolade, the stand being named after him, the lot.
Mr Manchester United.
Unfortunately as the fanbase naturally forgets about our old players stuff like this happen. Careers become legends and new players take their place. The fact he is in the top ten at all after decades and hundreds of trophies says a lot about his legacy though.
Could you update first post with "standings" as you release new players? I'd like to see the complete list in one post, as I lurk by.
Guess Scholes and Cantona is to come..
Guess Scholes and Cantona is to come..
What a great bloody thread. Fair play for the time and dedication Twiggs!
Yeah will do at some point. If you look at the threadmarks most are there.
Those two haven't appeared yet... They aren't up next either.
Man, the last three were grrrrrreat players, the next 6 (well 5 if we only count non-sex pests) are going to be simply phenomenal!!!
Looking at this list makes you appreciate how incredibly fortunate we've been as United fans..... most clubs haven't got a handful of players like this in their history.
Looking at this list makes you appreciate how incredibly fortunate we've been as United fans..... most clubs haven't got a handful of players like this in their history.