The top five Manchester United midfielders of all time
By Bence Bocsak
Manchester United have had some of the best midfielders in the world play for the club throughout their history, here are the top five.
Over the years Manchester United have been blessed with midfield talent. Even from the early days of Matt Busby to the present, a plethora of world class midfielders have donned the Red Devils crest.
Often these players have been some of the world’s best at the time and have helped the club to many league titles and European successes. The names on this list are forever entrenched into the club’s lore and indelible.
This list has been one of the most difficult ones to make, with United having such an array of players to chose from. The likes of David Beckham, Bryan Robson and Michael Carrick have been forced to miss out.
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Without further ado, here’s the top five midfielders of all time who have played for the club.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Club Appearances: 292
Club Goals: 118
Without a shadow of a doubt he had the potential to become one the best players to have played for the club had he not made the move to Real Madrid in 2009. Nonetheless he spent six seasons at Old Trafford and left a huge impression on the Red Devils faithful.
His lethal shooting and mazy runs made him a fan favourite and he is still fondly remembered.
4. Roy Keane
Club Appearances: 480
Goals: 51
He is one of the best holding midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League. Roy Keane was adored by the fans for his feisty and tough spirit.
His tough tackling often made him a villain but it played a crucial part in establishing United as a team to fear.
He spent thirteen seasons at the club and was always one of the first names on the team-sheet. You could rely on him to give it his all in every game, no matter the opposition.
3. George Best
Club Appearances: 470
Club Goals: 179
Many United fans still regard George Best as the best player to have played for the club on sheer ability alone.
The Northern Irishman was a wizard on the ball. He could dribble past players with ease and bamboozled the opposition.
Unfortunately his drinking haunted him throughout his career and prevented him to fulfil his utmost potential.
2. Paul Scholes
Club Appearances: 718
Club Goals: 155
One of the most loyal servants the Red Devils have ever had. Paul Scholes came through the youth ranks at United and became a hero at Old Trafford.
His creativity and quick passing style made him a valuable asset and unique in the English game.
After a short hiatus, he returned to serve the club for one more year in 2012 and helped United to lift the title yet again, after missing out the previous year to arch rivals Manchester City in his absence.
1. Ryan Giggs
Club Appearances: 963
Club Goals: 168
He is the ultimate one club man and his name will forever be synonymous with the club. Ryan Giggs was ever-present during United’s most successful period.
Often he was the pilar and linchpin of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Like Scholes, Giggs came through the academy too and he spent a remarkable 24 seasons at Old Trafford.
With an uncanny left foot and dazzling pace in his prime, Giggs was unstoppable at times. As he aged he was exemplary at adapting his game and maintaining his fitness.
All together he lifted 13 Premier League titles at United.
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Who is your favourite Manchester United midfielder of all time?