26 years, 38 trophies. Sir Alex Ferguson is without a doubt one of the greatest managers of all time. He motivated his players to be at their best, especially when their best was needed. Here is a rundown of the best players to play for Sir Alex.
Paul Scholes
Along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes played his entire career with Manchester United. In a 700-game Old Trafford career, the midfielder won a total of 25 trophies for the club, 11 of which were Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, and 2 Champions League trophies. His 155 goals make him the 10th leading club scorer of all-time.
Ryan Giggs
The Welshman played his entire 23-year career for Manchester United with 168 goals in 963 appearances. Scoring in 21 consecutive seasons, the midfielder is the team’s most decorated player winning 13 Premiership titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all-time, Cristiano Ronaldo made his start at Manchester United in 2003 to replace David Beckham. He won his first Ballon d’Or at the age of 23 after an astonishing 2007-08 season with the Red Devils which saw the club win a treble of trophies including the Champions League, the Premier League title, and the FA Cup. Ronaldo left for Real Madrid the following season for a record transfer of £80 million.
Peter Schmeichel
The Great Dane is often considered the best goalie of the Premier League era. He served as captain of the club 1999, the same year Manchester United won the historic treble. He kept a clean sheet in 42% of the games played for the Red Devils.
Eric Cantona
The French striker spent five years at Manchester United, helping the team win their first ever Premier League era title in 1992. Winner of five Premiership titles and two League and FA Cup doubles, ‘The King’ of Old Trafford helped put back United on top as one of the best teams in world football.
Roy Keane
Roy Keane captained the Manchester United side for eight years during Manchester United’s most successful period that saw the Red Devils win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy. Praised for his leadership and grit, the Irishman was mired in controversy near the end of his career for openly criticizing his teammates.
Gary Neville
Gary Neville played his entire 20-year career at Manchester United, turning out more than 600 matches. He captained the club for five years while helping the Red Devils win 8 Premiership titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, and 2 Champions League titles.
Wayne Rooney
After making an illustrious hat-trick to start his Man United career against Fenerbahce in the Champions League 2004, Wayne Rooney went on to become United’s all-team leading scorer with 253 goals. He won 16 trophies at Old Trafford, including five Premiership titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League title in 2008.
David Beckham
Well-known as a reliable scorer who mastered the art of set pieces, the iconic David Beckham played 11 years at Manchester United and made over 400 appearances for the club. He played a key part of the side that won the Treble in 1999, ending his career at Old Trafford with 61 goals.
Rio Ferdinand
Considered one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world during his prime, the dominant center-back played 12 years at Manchester United. He won the Premier League in his first year with the club in 2003, winning a total of 6 Premier League titles and a Champions League in 2008 to boot.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
The Norwegian striker played 366 games for United, scoring 126 goals in his 5 years with the club. Nicknamed both the “Baby Faced Assassin” and “Super-sub,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich which helped the Red Devils secure the Treble.
