The number 10 shirt at Manchester United carries a weight of history, flair, and responsibility. It has been worn by some of the club’s most iconic figures, players who shaped eras and left their mark on Old Trafford. Here’s a look at the legends who defined the shirt, updated to reflect their enduring legacies.

Nobby Stiles

A tough-tackling midfielder, Nobby Stiles was more than just a workhorse. He made 395 appearances for United, winning two league titles and the 1967–68 European Cup. Stiles also etched his name into history as a World Cup winner with England in 1966.

Bobby Charlton

One of United’s greatest icons, Charlton scored 249 goals in 758 matches. A Ballon d’Or winner in 1966, he led United to the 1967–68 European Cup, the club’s first. His influence went beyond trophies, embodying resilience in the aftermath of the Munich disaster.

Denis Law

Known as “The King,” Denis Law was United’s talisman through the 1960s. He scored 237 goals in 404 games, won the 1964 Ballon d’Or, and helped secure two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup.

Lou Macari

Signed from Celtic in 1973, Macari made over 400 appearances. He scored crucial goals during United’s 1975 promotion campaign and played a vital role in their 1977 FA Cup triumph.

Brian Kidd

A product of the club’s academy, Kidd scored on his 19th birthday in the 1968 European Cup Final. He managed 36 goals in 130 appearances, contributing to one of United’s most historic nights.

Sammy McIlroy

Matt Busby’s last signing, McIlroy represented the link between two eras. He scored 57 goals and was instrumental in United’s return to the First Division in 1975, also helping secure the 1977 FA Cup.

Frank Stapleton

Joining from Arsenal in 1981, Stapleton gave United power and presence up front. He won two FA Cups and the 1983 Charity Shield, helping end a period of silverware scarcity.

Norman Whiteside

Once the youngest player to score in both a World Cup and an FA Cup Final, Whiteside racked up 68 goals before injuries cut his career short. He remains one of United’s great “what if” stories, remembered for his flair and big-game impact.

Mark Hughes

“Captain Marvel” Mark Hughes had two spells at Old Trafford, recording 88 goals and 17 assists in 249 matches. He lifted two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and helped United to European success, including the 1991 Cup Winners’ Cup.

Teddy Sheringham

Sheringham’s numbers (46 goals, 28 assists in 153 games) only tell part of the story. His equaliser and assist in the 1999 Champions League Final made him immortal, part of the side that delivered the Treble.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

A ruthless finisher, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in just 219 appearances. He topped the Champions League scoring charts three times, won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and remains one of the most prolific forwards in the club’s history.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Though his stay was short, Zlatan left a mark. With 29 goals and 10 assists in 53 games, he inspired United to the 2017 Europa League, their first in history. His charisma and clinical finishing brought swagger back to Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney

United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, Rooney defined the number 10 shirt in the modern era. He won 16 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. His versatility and leadership made him a cornerstone of Sir Alex Ferguson’s later reign.

Matheus Cunha

Currently wearing the number 10, Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha joined United after a successful stint at Wolves. Known for his energy, versatility, and creativity, Cunha has become central to Erik ten Hag’s attack in 2025, bringing a new identity to the shirt.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford, now on loan at Barcelona, remains one of United’s most influential academy graduates. He has scored more than 130 goals for the club and was pivotal in their 2023 League Cup victory. While his future at Old Trafford is uncertain, his legacy as a homegrown number 10 is already secure.

The Legacy of the Number 10

From Charlton’s elegance to Rooney’s drive, Rashford’s rise, and Cunha’s current stewardship, United’s number 10 is more than just a shirt. It’s a legacy of creativity, goals, and leadership—a thread running through the club’s greatest eras.