From the charismatic Eric Cantona to the midfield maestro Paul Pogba, Manchester United have featured some of the most talented Frenchmen to play the game of football. While there’s been a handful of French footballers to wear the Red Devils shirt, we nonetheless narrowed it down to our top 11.
Eric Cantona
The charismatic French striker spent five years at Manchester United, making 185 appearances and scoring 82 goals. He helped 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 team’s in world football.
Paul Pogba
The engine of the Manchester United team, Paul Pogba is always keen on goal. With his infectious energy, leadership, and playmaking ability, Pogba helped guide Man U to an EFL Cup and a UEFA Europa League triumph. With 283 appearances and 53 goals to date, Pogba is looking to add more silverware to his trophy case.
Patrice Evra
Once considered the best left-back in the world for his intelligence, discipline, and pace, Patrice Evra helped Manchester United to five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. His eight-year spell with the Red Devils saw him play 379 games and snag ten goals.
Louis Saha
The French striker recorded 42 goals in 124 games with Manchester United, helping the team win two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Hampered by injuries, he moved on to Everton in 2008 to rejuvenate his career.
Anthony Martial
Now in his third year with the Red Devils, the 22-year old French forward Anthony Martial is looking to build on his experience of 61 goals in 233 appearances to date. Thus far, he’s won an FA Cup, an EFL Cup, a Community Shield, and a UEFA Europa League trophy.
Laurent Blanc
The French Defender Laurent Blanc played the last years of his career with Manchester United, earning 75 caps and scoring four goals. He helped the Red Devils lift the Premiership League trophy in his final year.
Mikaël Silvestre
The six-foot defender Mikaël Silvestre transferred to Manchester United for £4 million in 1999, making an immediate impact in his first season. Poised and attack-minded, he helped the Red Devils win four Premier League titles and an FA Cup, topping off his Old Trafford career off with a Champions League trophy in 2008.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Signed to Manchester United from Southhampton for a £25 million transfer fee, the French defender played 47 games and scored one goal. Despite his limited playing time, he helped the team win a 2016 FA Cup and Community Shield.
David Bellion
The French striker delighted Red Devil fans in scoring numerous goals in his first few appearances in the 2003/04 season. Unfortunately, the encouraging start would stop there. After nagging injuries, he found it difficult to make it back into the first team before being loaned to West Ham in the 2005/06 season.
Gabriel Obertan
Set back by injuries, the promising 6’1 winger played only two years at Old Trafford where he recorded one goal in 28 matches. He transferred to Newcastle in the 2011 season to replace Joey Barton.
William Prunier
After a promising start in his first competitive match against Queens Park Rangers, the French defender failed to impress in a 4-0 routing by Tottenham in January 1996. He was loaned to Copenhagen after only a couple of matches.
