Heroes of Old Trafford

Manchester United legends

The players and managers who wrote the club's history.

Managers

1945–1969, 1970–1971

Sir Matt Busby

Built three great United sides, including the Busby Babes, survived the Munich air disaster and led the club to the 1968 European Cup, the first won by an English side.

1986–2013

Sir Alex Ferguson

The most successful manager in English football history: 13 Premier League titles, 2 Champions League wins and the 1998–99 Treble in 26 years at Old Trafford.

Forwards

1956–1973

Sir Bobby Charlton

Munich air disaster survivor, 1966 World Cup winner and European Cup winner in 1968. His 249 goals stood as the club record until Wayne Rooney passed it.

1963–1974

George Best

A dazzling winger who won the Ballon d'Or in 1968, the year United became champions of Europe.

1962–1973

Denis Law

Known as "The King" of the Stretford End, Law won the Ballon d'Or in 1964.

1992–1997

Eric Cantona

The catalyst for the Ferguson dynasty: four league titles in five seasons, including two Doubles.

2001–2006

Ruud van Nistelrooy

A relentless finisher who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for United.

2003–2009, 2021–2022

Cristiano Ronaldo

Won the Ballon d'Or in 2008 and the Champions League that season, then returned to Old Trafford in 2021.

2004–2017

Wayne Rooney

United's all-time record goalscorer with 253 goals, and a Champions League winner in 2008.

Midfielders

1953–1958

Duncan Edwards

One of the greatest talents English football has produced. He died aged 21 from injuries suffered in the Munich air disaster.

1981–1994

Bryan Robson

"Captain Marvel", a driving, all-action midfielder who led United to FA Cups and the 1991 Cup Winners' Cup.

1993–2005

Roy Keane

Fiery, inspirational captain and seven-time Premier League winner.

1993–2011

Paul Scholes

Peerless passer and 11-time Premier League champion, with 718 appearances for the club.

1992–2003

David Beckham

Product of the youth system, part of the Class of 92 and a member of the 1999 Treble side.

1990–2014

Ryan Giggs

The club's record appearance maker with 963 games, 13 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League wins.

Defenders and goalkeepers

1991–1999

Peter Schmeichel

The goalkeeper of the Treble side and one of the finest in the club's history.

1992–2011

Gary Neville

One-club man with 602 appearances and eight Premier League titles.

2002–2014

Rio Ferdinand

Elegant centre-back and six-time Premier League champion.

2006–2014

Nemanja Vidić

A formidable defender and captain who won five league titles at Old Trafford.

See the full trophy cabinet or meet today's first-team squad.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Manchester United's record goalscorer?

Wayne Rooney, with 253 goals between 2004 and 2017. He passed Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing record of 249.

Who has made the most appearances for Manchester United?

Ryan Giggs holds the record with 963 appearances between 1990 and 2014.

Who are the Class of 92?

The group of academy graduates that broke through under Sir Alex Ferguson in the early 1990s, including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.

Who were the Busby Babes?

The young side developed by Sir Matt Busby in the 1950s that won back-to-back league titles. Many of its players died in the Munich air disaster of 6 February 1958.