England’s most decorated club has provided some of the most memorable footballers in the Premier League era.
With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, the Red Devils won the Premier League trophy 13 times, more than any other club by far. It was the successful ‘Fergie’ era that set the standard of play at Old Trafford for years to come.
While United’s history stems deeper than the 1992-1993 season, their stretch of dominance in the Premier League should be noted.
Whether through expensive transfers or from the club’s impressive youth system, United’s squad will always contain world class talent.
With such a successful recent history, it’s tough to decipher who makes the cut, but here’s our top 30 players of Man United Premier League era…
30. Dimitar Berbatov
The Bulgarian forward was seen as somewhat of an outsider in his time at Old Trafford, but he was a fantastic finisher during his four year spell with the club.
29. Carlos Tevez
Although his spell with United was a short, the goal scoring mercenary helped the Red Devils win six trophies in just two years.
28. Robin Van Persie
The Flying Dutchman’s three year stine with United was full of goals. In 86 appearances, he netted 48 times.
27. David De Gea
After a tough first season following Edwin Van Der Sar’s departure, David De Gea has established himself as the best goalie the Premier League has to offer.
26. Teddy Sheringham
The 2001 PFA Player of the Year won three Premier League titles at United and who could forget the 1999 Champions League final, when he scored the equaliser and assisted the match winner?
25. Paul Ince
Ince played a crucial role in United’s first few Premier League titles
24. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Best known for securing the treble for United with his injury time winner against Bayern Munich.
23. Gary Pallister
Pallister enjoyed much success at United during the 90s, and was a crucial part of the stellar back four, paired perfectly with Steve Bruce
22. Phil Neville
Phil Neville spent a decade with the Red Devils, helping United win six Premier League titles in that time.
21. Michael Carrick
The midfielder has made 234 appearances for United since 2006.
20. Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra was a consistently good defender and a key wing back in a great back four for much of Sir Alex Ferguson’s later success at United, captaining the side on many occasions.
19. Dwight Yorke
Yorke proved himself as a goal threat across all competitions. The Premier League Golden Boot Winner in the 1998-1999 season, the Tobagonian also contributed vital goals in the Champions League.
18. Nicky Butt
The Manchester born and raised man did not experience success overnight in the red shirt, but established himself as a hard worker to get a consistent place in the starting XI and scored big goals in big games.
17. Denis Irwin
Regarded by Sir Alex Ferguson as his pound for pound best signing ever, the full back played a big role in the Red Devil’s success in the 90s.
16. Ruud van Nistelrooy
United’s all-time European scoring leader makes the list as the Dutch striker scored 15o goals in only 219 matches.
15. Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce was the first English player to captain a side to the double in the 20th century in his long spell with United.
14. Jaap Stam
The centre back led the Red Devils to three Premier League titles in a row, an FA Cup victory and a Champions League trophy in just three years at Old Trafford.
13. Gary Neville
The one-club man was an excellent leader at Old Trafford and was the fifth captain in the Red Devil’s history to hoist the Premier League trophy after in 2006-2007 season.
12. Wayne Rooney
One of only four to score 200 goals in the United shirt, the current captain has solidified himself as a legend at Old Trafford.
11. Nemanja Vidic
Never one to grab the headlines during his time at Old Trafford, but paired with Rio Ferdinand, the two were an impenetrable force in the United back four.
10. David Beckham
The most recognisable footballer in the world, Beckham spent a decade tormenting defenders from the right wing for the Red Devils.
9. Andy Cole
Everyone remembers his five goal haul at Old Trafford as a part of the 93 goals he scored for United. Cole would end his career second on the list of the Premier League’s all time scorers.
8. Edwin Van Der Sar
The Dutch keeper helped United set the world clean sheet record in 2009 with 11 clean sheets in a row and is the oldest player to ever win the Premier League.
7. Rio Ferdinand
During his 12 year spell with the Red Devils, Ferdinand established himself as on of the best centre backs on the planet and his partnership with Nemanja Vidic was arguably the strongest in the world.
6. Peter Schmeichel
During his career at Old Trafford, Schmeichel was nearly unbeatable and helped put Manchester United on the map as a powerhouse in Europe.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
At his time with United, fans saw Ronaldo turn from a young, inexperienced winger into arguably the best player in the world who could set Old Trafford into a thunderous roar with one free kick.
4. Roy Keane
A true legend, the fiery midfielder was referred to by Sir Alex Ferguson as the best he’s ever worked with.
3. Eric Cantona
With his collar up, Cantona’s swagger and talent on the pitch was unmatched as he played a crucial role in bringing the inaugural Premier League trophy to Old Trafford along with three more in the following four seasons.
2. Paul Scholes
Arguably Manchester United’s most creative midfield magician, it was only on rare occasions that a Scholes pass was off target in his 718 appearances with the club.
1. Ryan Giggs
The most decorated footballer in English history, Ryan Giggs, tops our list. Winner of 13 Premier League trophies and two Champions Leagues, it’s tough to say if there will ever be another like him.
