Sir Alex Ferguson once explained why the Manchester United teams he managed during his illustrious 27-year reign were so successful. The iconic Scot said "they never gave in and that this was "a quality that great teams always had".
There's no better figure in the club's history to give his take on past and present players who have made their prescence felt at the Theatre of Dreams. His longevity meant he was in charge of United from 1986 until 2013, overseeing 13 Premier League title victories alongside a 1999 treble.
Ferguson managed some of the very best talent to put on the famous red shirt, but some of the club's all-time greats came before him.
Here, we look at the top 10 best players in United 's history including those from the Sir Matt Busby era, Ferguson's reign and the modern era.
10. Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand embodied Sir Alex's winning mentality | Clive Mason/GettyImages
It's so hard deciding who the best defender in United's history is because every era has involved at least one warrior-esque leader at the back. Steve Bruce, Jaap Stam and Bill Foulkes were all colossal prescences at the heart of defence.
Rio Ferdinand swings it though because he flourished in every department with a remarkable passing range and reliable aerial abilities. He wasn't afraid of a scrap as seen from the scars of celebrating Robin van Persie's winner in the Manchester derby.
The iconic former centre-back also created many magical moments including his winner against Swansea City in 2013. That proved to be the strike that helped Ferguson seal his 13th and final title before retiring. He truly was a rolls-royce of a defender.
9. Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards was a "total footballer" | Monty Fresco Jnr/GettyImages
Duncan Edwards the complete package at left-half whose career and life was unfortunately cut short in the Munich air disaster at the age of 21. He was expected to become perhaps the best player to grace the English game but certainly wrote his name in the club's history books.
The late Edwards was a member of the Busby Babes and one of Sir Matt Busby favourites as shown through the legendary manager's description of his former player (via manutd.com):
The most complete player I've ever seen. He could play anywhere and do a great job."
Edwards was dubbed the world's first total footballer and that was befitting of his unique playing style that blended strength with a phenomenal understanding of the game. He'd have fit right into any era.
8. Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson was captain marvel | Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
Ferguson called Bryan Robson undoubtedly the best captain he ever managed and his midfield workhorse was truly a natural born leader. The Englishman dealt with his fair share of injuries but still appeared 461 times for the Reds, getting his hands on two titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
Robson was vital during a difficult period in the eighties, galvanising his teammates amid a rocky few years of watching Liverpool dominate. He was a box-to-box midfielder who always put his team first.
The reason we see so many players struggle with the pressure of representing United in the modern era are the high standards set by those who came before. Robson was the epitome of a perfectionist both on and off the pitch.
7. Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes made Ferguson's United tick | Laurence Griffiths/GettyImages
Xavi called him one of his idols, Pep Guardiola preferred him to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and Ferguson said he was a "genius" and "one of the finest players of his generation". The list goes on regarding the outpouring of acclaim that Paul Scholes achieved during and even after his career.
Scholes was often the heartbeat of Fergie's team, the brain in the middle of the park whose untouchable playmaking abilities were unstoppable when at his best. Everytime the Reds regained possession the ball was sent to him to deliver an inch-perfect long-ball over the top.
It's still a sham that England didn't get the best out of Ginger Ninja but that only benefitted United. His best came at Old Trafford, including that thumping 30-yarder against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals en route to his second European title.
6. Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona, Steve Watson, David Batty
Eric Cantona was a cornerstone in United's history | Getty Images/GettyImages
There's no telling where United would be if Sir Alex hadn't insisted on bringing Eric Cantona to Old Trafford in 1992. The enigmatic Frenchman was a gamechanging signing for Fergie and the club, the talismanic figure that drove the club back to the top of English football.
Cantona's erratic and bad-boy behaviour shouldn't have worked under Ferguson who was strict regarding players staying in line. His man management of Eric the Red changed, as he gave him some leeway that didn't go unnoticed by teammates.
It proved to be one of the best decisions of his managerial career because King Cantona ascended to the throne as a deep-lying forward. His elegance, first touch and incredible footballing IQ helped United claim four Premier League titles in five seasons.
5. Roy Keane
Roy Keane
Roy Keane was an unbelievable leader | Alex Livesey/GettyImages
It's easy to point to Roy Keane's leadership qualities when explaining why the feisty Irishman is one of United's all-time greats. But alongside his never-say-die attitude came a midfield maestro who was just as formidable going forward as he was anchoring Ferguson's men.
There have been many sensational individual performances in the club's history. But none compare to Keane's night in Turin in 1999 when he dominated a Juventus side consisting of Didier Deschamps, Edgar Davids and Zinedine Zidane.
Keane opened the scoring in that game but then picked up a booking that ruled him out of the final. He didn't let that cause a distraction, focused on ensuring his teammates booked their ticket to Camp Nou and did so in style as he usually always did. The Premier League misses Keano's personality but at least he's still ranting and raving as a pundit.
4. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal of the match
Ryan Giggs was Sir Alex's right-hand man | Alex Livesey/GettyImages
The younger generation have no idea just how talented and influental Ryan Giggs was. Nowadays, if you debate the best Premier League wingers in history, the Welshman strangely doesn't get the recognition he deserves.
Giggs wasn't just an outstanding left winger whose left foot caused all sorts of problems under Ferguson. He was the prime example of professionalism and hardwork, achieving a 29-season career at Old Trafford.
Once he started entering the twilight years of his career he adapted and moved into a central midfield position. He produced playmaking displays that were so effective for the Reds that he won the PFA Player of the Year award aged 35 in 2009.
3. George Best
George Best
George Best was simply the best of his generation | Joe Bangay/GettyImages
There was little chance of getting the ball off George Best once he used his tricky feet while surging down the channel. The Northern Irish hero was simply outrageous when on song and a player whom Pele once dubbed "the greatest player in the world".
Bestie, much like everyone in life, had his demons, but from a footballing standpoint he was a genius. He shined alongside Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as part of the hugely successful 'Holy Trinity' during the sixties.
As naturally gifted British players go, there hasn't been a better one than the Belfast Boy. Everything he did on the pitch he did with class and a swagger that always had fans off their feet.
2. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney was a complete forward who adapted to any role | Michael Regan/GettyImages
The rollercoaster ride that ensued during Wayne Rooney's Manchester United career would make for an enthralling Hollywood blockbuster. There was plenty of excitement regarding his acquistion in the summer of 2004, then a teenage prospect, he'd shined at Everton.
Not even Ferguson would have predicted Rooney would go on to become one of the best strikers in Premier League history. In fact, you could argue he is top of that list after firing the Red Devils to five titles during his time at Old Trafford.
Rooney was a world-class forward who had no weaknesses in his game, he could do it all, including pulling off playmaking duties from midfield. The club's all-time top scorer (253 goals) was a sight to behold at the peak of his powers and even some topsy-turvy times under Ferguson made for compelling viewing.
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
Manchester United Soccer Player Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is Manchester United's greatest-ever player | Hulton Deutsch/GettyImages
Top spot wasn't going to go to anybody else but Mr Manchester United himself Sir Bobby Charlton. Being the best doesn't just mean excelling on the pitch, which the heroic Englishman did as a versatile attacker, he was the personification of a role model.
Charlton was a special once-in-a-lifetime talent who played a crucial role in England's 1966 World Cup win. He was just as important for the Red Devils, surviving the Munich air disaster to then play a lead role in the club's revival in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"It's no surprise to me that we've seen tributes to Sir Bobby from everywhere in the world, on every TV channel and in every newspaper, because he was without question the greatest English player of all time." - Ferguson on Charlton (viamanutd.com)
The late Charlton was the one who nicknamed Old Trafford 'the Theatre of Dreams' and he always had fans dreaming of glory. He was key in three First Division title triumphs and in a testament to his character he never recieved a sending off during his career. The very best.
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