Manchester United fans have watched some of the best players of all time playing in the famous red shirt.
It can be impossible to compare players across eras and every fan tends to favour players who stand out in personal memories for whatever reason. It could be Norman Whiteside for his winner in the 1985 FA Cup final or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his last-minute winner against Bayern Munich to clinch the treble in 1999.
Although it doesn’t seem like it this season, Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in world football, boasting a rich history of trophies won by legendary players.
From the Busby Babes to the Class of 92 and beyond, Old Trafford has been the home of many greats, including Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And with 20 English titles and three European Cups to their name, a list could be created of United players who are among the greatest in history.
Ronaldo followed in the footsteps of Denis Law (1964), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966) and George Best (1968) when he became the fourth footballer to win the Ballon d’Or during his time at Old Trafford, in 2008.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Best picks Man Utd duo Charlton and Law in his perfect XI
Before his passing in 2005, one of the greatest players the world has ever seen, George Best, named his perfect XI in an interview with Four Four Two magazine (December 2005 issue).
The former Northern Ireland international left himself out of the team, which included two United legends.
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Best picked World Cup winner Gordon Banks as his goalkeeper, ahead of Pat Jennings, before joking that the former England stopper never played well against him.
“I was tempted to go for my compatriot Pat Jennings, but Banksy just edges it because he won the big one: the World Cup. Funnily enough, Gordon never did well against me – I always seemed to score – but his positioning was always impeccable.”
The back four named by Best consists of three World Cup winners: Carlos Alberto, Bobby Moore, Mike England and Paul Breitner.
In midfield, Best named his United teammate Charlton along with Billy Bremner, Dave Mackay and Jim Baxter.
Speaking about Charlton’s inclusion, Best described him as a pleasure to play with, saying: “What a pleasure to play alongside. I don’t think I’ve even seen anybody who could beat players as easily as him, myself included.
“I often used my pace, but Bobby made it look effortless. And once he got within 30 yards of goal, he was lethal with either foot. Because he played a lot on the left, many people assume he was a natural left-footer, but I don’t think he was. He was just so good with both feet. An easy choice.”
The team doesn’t include Best but it wouldn’t lack goals with Law joined by Jimmy Greaves up front.
When it came to Law, who passed away earlier this year, Best added: “He was already a hero at Old Trafford when I joined Manchester United and I was in awe of him.
“I used to disappear into a side room if I saw him coming down the corridor, but he made me feel so welcome. Considering he didn’t even like training, he was unbelievably quick, great in the air and also very brave. And once he got into the penalty box he was lethal. In fact, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do.
“The complete striker.”
George Best perfected XI: Gordon Banks; Carlos Alberto, Bobby Moore, Mike England, Paul Breitner; Billy Bremner, Dave Mackay, Jim Baxter, Sir Bobby Charlton; Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves.
George Best stats for Manchester United
After making his debut at 17, Best went on to become a Manchester United icon.
The Belfast-born winger, renowned for his skilful dribbling, was the club’s top goalscorer in the league for five consecutive seasons.
Best also won two League titles and the European Cup with the club.
Eventually, he fell victim to alcohol and played his last game for United on New Year’s Day 1974.
United fans still sing songs about Best on the terraces to this day.