The greatest all-time Manchester United XI

Legendary Red Devils

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Manchester United's place among football's elite has been secured by generations of extraordinary talent. Built on decades of success and a tradition of excellence, the club has been home to some of the sport's most iconic figures. In this all-time XI, we honor the players who made the biggest impact on the pitch, shaped eras and brought glory to Old Trafford. All player data referenced is sourced from Transfermarkt.

Peter Schmeichel - GK

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Schmeichel is a legend for his contributions to United from 1991 to 1999, winning a total of 15 trophies for the Red Devils. The former Danish goalkeeper registered 180 clean sheets during his time at Old Trafford.

Steve Bruce - CB

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

A commanding centre-back and natural leader, Bruce captained Manchester United during the early years of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. Renowned for his bravery and knack for scoring crucial goals, he was pivotal in the club's first league title in 26 years in 1993.

Rio Ferdinand - CB

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Without a doubt, Ferdinand should be commanding the back line in an all-time United XI. The former England and Manchester United captain was arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League from 2002 to 2014, helping his club win multiple trophies during that period.

Denis Irwin - LB

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Reliable, composed and remarkably two-footed, Irwin was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted players. Capable of playing on either flank, he combined defensive discipline with a knack for crucial goals (33 in total) and set-pieces. With seven Premier League titles and a Champions League medal, he remains one of the most underrated greats in United's history.

Roy Keane - CDM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

The heartbeat of Manchester United's midfield during their most dominant era, the terrifying Roy Keane set the standard for leadership, intensity and drive. Fearless in the tackle and relentless in pursuit of victory, he captained the club through countless triumphs, including the 1999 Treble. His influence went far beyond statistics; Ferguson used to claim Keane was his best player, one he truly trusted, reports Sky Sports.

Paul Scholes - RCM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

"In the last 15 to 20 years, the best central midfielder that I have seen, the most complete, is Scholes," shared FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernández during a post-match interview. Scholes was United's creative engine; his intelligence and technical skill helped control games and unlock defenses throughout a career spanning over two decades. Scholes' contributions were vital to multiple Premier League titles and Champions League success.

Ryan Giggs - LCM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

The ultimate one-man club, Giggs was a symbol of loyalty and brilliance at Manchester United, spending his entire career at Old Trafford. Renowned for his incredible pace, dribbling skills and ability to deliver in big moments, he won a record 13 Premier League titles, scoring 168 goals and handing 265 assists during his trophy-laden career.

Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

The standout legend at Old Trafford is undoubtedly Sir Bobby Charlton. The English attacking midfielder spent over two decades at Man United (1953-1973), where he scored a total of 245 goals in 746 games, and led United to their first European Cup triumph in 1968. Charlton's legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in football history endures through his records and influence on the game.

Wayne Rooney - CF

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

The great Wayne Rooney ended his remarkable 13-year stint at Old Trafford as the club's leading goalscorer with 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 official games. "He's got everything, he's tough, he's quick, he scores goals, he can make goals. He's a winner," shared Ryan Giggs during an interview for Goalhanger.

Honorable mentions

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Manchester United's history has been riddled with world-class talents throughout the years, making it especially difficult to narrow it down to a starting XI. However, we didn't want to leave out any honorable mentions, so here they are.

Edwin van der Sar - GK

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Cool, consistent and commanding, Van der Sar brought stability between the posts after his arrival in 2005. The Dutchman helped United to four league titles and a Champions League crown, and retired as one of the greatest goalkeepers in club history.

Nemanja Vidić - CB

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

A defensive powerhouse, Vidić formed one of the Premier League's most formidable partnerships alongside Rio Ferdinand. Twice named Premier League Player of the Season, his strength, aerial dominance and fearlessness made him a United icon.

Patrice Evra - LB

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

A fierce competitor and natural leader, Evra became the cornerstone of Manchester United's defense after arriving in 2006. His speed, aggression and unmatched consistency made him one of the finest left-backs in Premier League history. He won five league titles and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford.

Nobby Stiles - CDM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Tenacious and fearless, Stiles (left) anchored United's midfield during the 1960s golden era. A 1968 European Cup winner and a World Cup hero with England in 1966, Stiles blended grit with intelligence in every performance.

Bryan Robson - CM

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

One of the club's longest-serving captains from 1981 to 1994, Robson was a great midfielder who could dictate the tempo like no other. He was a well-rounded box-to-box midfielder who scored 97 goals and handed six assists, per Transfermarkt.

Cristiano Ronaldo - RW

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Coming from Sporting CP, Cristiano had a remarkable early career at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009. The Portuguese forward scored 145 goals and handed 64 assists in 346 games for United, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2008. "If Cristiano Ronaldo had started his career in La Liga, he would have Leo Messi's numbers twice," said his former coach, Alex Ferguson, who praised him during a post-match conference.

Mark Hughes - CF

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

Explosive and relentless, Hughes (left) was known for his thunderous volleys and combative style. A two-time United player, he played a vital role in the club's resurgence in the late '80s and early '90s, winning multiple domestic trophies.

Eric Cantona - CF

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

The French forward transformed Manchester United's fortunes when he arrived during Ferguson's early years in 1992, turning them into serial winners. He scored 82 goals in 185 games for the Red Devils, according to Transfermarkt, helping United win multiple titles as the club's first non-British/Irish captain.

Andrew Cole - ST

Legendary Red Devils, Peter Schmeichel - GK, Steve Bruce - CB, Rio Ferdinand - CB, Denis Irwin - LB, Roy Keane - CDM, Paul Scholes - RCM, Ryan Giggs - LCM, Sir Bobby Charlton - CAM, Wayne Rooney - CF, Honorable mentions, Edwin van der Sar - GK, Nemanja Vidić - CB, Patrice Evra - LB, Nobby Stiles - CDM, Bryan Robson - CM, Cristiano Ronaldo - RW, Mark Hughes - CF, Eric Cantona - CF, Andrew Cole - ST

One of the most prolific goalscorers in English football history, Cole thrived at United with his intelligent movement and lethal finishing. Forming a record-breaking partnership with Dwight Yorke, he helped power the club to their historic 1999 Treble. His 121 goals for United came with a mix of pace, precision and poise.

Post Related