Top 10 Old Trafford Legends Over the Last 100 Years
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As Old Trafford celebrates its centenary, we look back at some of the legends that have graced the famous stadium.
Manchester United fans celebrate 100 years of a truly spectacular Theatre of Dreams today as Old Trafford hits its centenary.
In 1908, Manchester United became league champions for the first time, and with growing support for the club, a decision was made to move from Bank Street to a new stadium near Trafford Park. Scotish architect Archibald Leitch was contracted to design “the finest stadium in the North” – Old Trafford was the result.
On 19 February 1910, Old Trafford was christened with its first home clash between United and Liverpool. The stadium did not get off to the best of starts, with United throwing away a 3-0 lead to eventually lose 3-4 to their bitter rivals. However, from less than glorious beginnings, the stadium has become home to some of the most famous and best footballers on the planet – Here we salute 10 of the best.
Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton started playing football for Manchester United at the tender age of 19 in 1956. Having survived the Munich air crash in 1958 Charlton became the most prolific of the Busby Babes and still holds the record for the most goals scored by a United player – 249 in 758 appearances. A World Cup winner and living legend, Charlton will forever be remembered as one of the greats to play at Old Trafford.
Denis Law
In 1962 Denis Law broke British transfer records as he signed for Manchester United for £115,000. The Scottish striker was a sensation at Old Trafford, scoring an incredible 46 goals in one season, a feat that even the great Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to beat in the modern era. Law remains United’s second highest goalscorer of all time with 171 goals to his name.
George Best
A man who was destroyed by alcohol, George Best was the first true celebrity footballer. Renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, partying and womanising, it’s a credit to the man’s genius that he is still remembered as a footballing legend and his name has not been mired by his personality flaws. A raw talent who on his day was described in the same breath as Maradona and Pelé.
Bryan Robson
In a long and illustrious history of great “Number 7s” Bryan Robson was one of the great stalwarts to wear the shirt with pride. Starting his Manchester United career in 1981, Robson oversaw the changeover period as United captain when Ron Atkinson was sacked and a fresh-faced Alex Ferguson was brought to the club to turn around fortunes. Robson led United to three FA Cup wins and European Cup Winners Cup.
Peter Schmeichel
There are very few goalkeepers who can have such a profound influence on a match from their position at the very back of the pitch. The Great Dane Peter Schmeichel was one of the best, dominating the game throughout the 1990s and the rock from which United’s success was built, culminating in the famous treble winning season in 1999.
Eric Cantona
Footballer, philosopher, kung fu kicker, King. Frenchman Eric Cantona was as bizarre as he was skilful, but the man was a talisman, and virtually single-handedly won United the premier league in 1995 as young guns David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville were learning the ropes at Old Trafford.
Ryan Giggs
The consummate professional. Ryan Giggs is one of football’s greatest unsung heroes. Never in the limelight, Giggs was always eclipsed by his more media-friendly or notorious teammates including David Beckham, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney. Now at 36, Giggs is still playing at the highest level for Manchester United, making him the most capped player the club has ever seen, and one of the most naturally gifted wingers British football has ever seen.
David Beckham
David Beckham is the celebrity icon of the modern era. For most of Asia during the last decade football = Beckham. Having got his breakthrough in 1992 as a teenager, Beckham went on to win six Premier League titles and the European Champions League in one of United’s most prosperous eras. Famous for his free-kicks, Beckham should perhaps be better remembered for his insatiable work-rate, and ability to turn a game by sheer persistence on the field. A born and bred champion.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record speaks for itself. The world’s most expensive player is dripping with footballing accolades which highlight his talent as the best player in the world. Ronaldo’s quick mind, feet, and astounding scoring ability took him through six memorable seasons at Old Trafford as one of the most exciting players to watch the game has ever seen.
Wayne Rooney
Plucked from Everton as a youngster, the often brash and fiery Wayne Rooney has matured into a fine and intelligent player under Alex Ferguson’s tutelage. Rooney has been forged into a sensational striker, and has carried Manchester United this season with 25 goals scored so far. Arguably England’s greatest talent, Rooney has sealed his place in the United history books.
United forever (made in Brazil).
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What about Duncan Edwards?
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Where’s Keane?
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No Tevez. Because you can’t afford him? Ronaldo… legend? WTF? And only two Busby babes, are like from Singapore or something?
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Wonderful posting!
Thanks for the all collection of this amazing stuff.
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Nice list – but where is Paul Scholes?
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No Keano, no Scholes, No Edwards, and no Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
FAIL
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OK – considering this is a top 10 list – tell me which four players you would take out of the cited list to put in Keane, Scholes, Edwards and Solskjaer?
The list comprises a fair mix of players from different eras of Man Utd. Not every great player can be included and I would argue Edwards would not be placed ahead of Charlton or Law, neither would Solskjaer be placed ahead of Beckham or Giggs.
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Where is Paul Scholes?
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George Best.
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No Captain Fantastic Keane, Scholes and no Solskjaer… who wrote this stuff?
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Who the **** are Man United?
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I understand the spread of players but Paul Scholes ahead of Beckham any day!
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Any day. I would say that… he is my daddy.
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Scholes gets in.
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