Most football clubs in the world are highly recognized for their strikers as they tend to make a big impact on the way people perceive the club. Although Manchester United is a club that has had excellent players in all positions, the strikers stand out because of the major fan following. The club has been a witness to many of the legendary names in the football world who have served as strikers for the club.
Greatest Manchester United Strikers
The Red Devils have had few of the greatest names in history, from George Best to Wayne Rooney. These strikers have shown excellent skill and have been crucial in leading the team from the front. They have been an absolute favourite among the fans who are going to remember these names forever. The United Trinity statue outside Old Trafford includes Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best. It simply states the fact that United has had few of the best attacking strikers in the history of football.
The top 5 Manchester United strikers have been compiled below based on their performance during their time at the club.
5. RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
Appearances – 219
Goals – 150
Ruud Van Nistelrooy joined the club in the year 2001 and debuted against Fulham in the same year. Nistelrooy is best known for his obsession for scoring goals during his time at the club. He scored a total of 150 goals in just 219 matches which is an outstanding feat for any player. The Dutchman had a nose for the goal and never failed to deliver.
Nistelrooy led the team from the front during his reign at the club. Although it was a short-lived reign, he did manage to make an impact in the hearts and minds of the fans. During his time at the club, he managed to be the top scorer in the Champions League three times. The fans and media affectionately addressed him as “the man who can’t score from outside the box.”
Before leaving for Real Madrid, Nistelrooy won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. The career may have been a short one but his legacy is going a long way. Nistelrooy left for Real Madrid in the year 2006 after an alleged acrimony. The Dutchman will always be remembered for his time at the club and his amazing nose for goals. He was one of the most sought-after strikers during the peak of his career.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy served a little over 5 years at the club. The Dutchman had to sadly leave in the year 2006 but will however be remembered as one of the legends of Manchester United. No other striker in the history of the club has a better goal to game ratio than Nistelrooy.
| Cup Name | Appearances | Goals |
| Premiership | 150 | 95 |
| European Cup | 47 | 38 |
| FA Cup | 14 | 14 |
| League Cup | 6 | 2 |
| Charity Shield | 2 | 1 |
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4. WAYNE MARK ROONEY
Appearances – 559
Goals – 253
Wayne Rooney is easily one of the most loved players of all time. He made his move to Old Trafford in the year 2004, at the age of 18. The striker made his mark during his first game at the club where he scored a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. This was the beginning of an illustrious career which has come to be one of the most legendary tales at the club.
Wayne Rooney went on to become the highest goal-scorer in the history of the club. During his early years at the club, Rooney managed to create a dynamic duo along with Cristiano Ronaldo in order to dominate the football world. Rooney displayed excellent passing and shooting skills which made him of the most prized possession of the club. The Englishman went on to win 16 trophies at Old Trafford including five Premier League titles, FA Cup and the Champions League trophy in 2008.
Rooney played a total of 559 matches before transferring back to Everton in the year 2017. He scored a total of 253 goals during his stay at the club. The Englishman has been a favourite among the fans as he stayed with the club when many others transferred to different clubs. Sir Alex Ferguson took him under his wings and groomed him to be the player he is today. Needless to say, Wayne Rooney is one of the best signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson, among others.
Wayne Rooney has had multiple feats to his name during his time at the club including 8 hat-tricks. The player is and always will be loved by the Red Devil fans all over the world.
| Cup Name | Appearances | Goals |
| Premiership | 393 | 183 |
| European Cup | 88 | 34 |
| FA Cup | 40 | 22 |
| League Cup | 20 | 5 |
| Charity Shield | 5 | 1 |
3. DENIS LAW
Appearances – 404
Goals – 237
Denis Law is famously known as one of the pioneers of relentless finishing skills of Manchester United. He joined the club in the year 1962 and played his debut match against West Bromwich Albion in the same year. The famous statue outside Old Trafford has Denis Law alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton in order to commemorate the greatest attacking trio of Manchester United. Law was more than deserving of this honour and has proved his worth during his time at the club.
The striker was a record signing in England when he joined the club. Law scored a total of 237 goals in 404 matches in his entire career at Old Trafford. He also scored 4 hat-tricks during his time at the club. The Scottish striker proved to be worth every single penny spent on him at the time of his transfer to Manchester United. Denis Law went on to become the first player in the North to win the European player of the year award. The striker gave his all to the team and was one of the best strikers any team has seen in the world. He holds the position of scoring the most number of goals in one season (all competitions included).
Denis Law made his way to the hearts of the fans by showcasing his tenacious finishing skills which helped the team win the FA Cup, two League Division titles and the 1967-88 European Cup. Moreover, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1964 to add to his glory. After playing 404 games for the Red Devils, Denis Law made a move back to Manchester City without any transfer fee. Denis Law will always be remembered for his amazing finishing ability and ambition to win games.
| Cup Name | Appearances | Goals |
| League Division One | 309 | 171 |
| FA Cup | 46 | 34 |
| European Cup | 18 | 14 |
| League Cup | 11 | 3 |
| Charity Shield | 3 | 1 |
2.GEORGE BEST
Appearances – 470
Goals – 179
George Best started his professional career at Manchester United in the year 1963 and played his debut match against West Bromwich Albion in the same year. The Irishman was best known for his dribbling skills and innate speed. There was a saying that made rounds in Manchester during his years at the club: “Maradona good; Pele better; George Best.” The saying sums up everything that Best was and speaks a lot about his addition to the club. The Holy Trinity or the United Trinity outside of Old Trafford has George Best along with Denis Law and Bobby Charlton commemorating the legendary attacking trio.
Best won the Ballon d’Or in the year 1968, which was also the year that United lifted the European Cup. He was crucial in helping United win two First Division Cups. The Irishman played a total of 470 games during his time at the club and ended up scoring 179 goals. Best has played for 18 clubs in his entire career but his time at Old Trafford is the highlight of his career.
George Best had excellent dribbling skills combined with a good speed which made him better than all the strikers in the game. Pele went on to say that Best was the best player that he had ever seen. A compliment from the legend is enough to sum up Best’s career at the club. George Best had a long run at United and his contract was cancelled in the year 1974. He will always be remembered as a dribbling genius and will always be the best striker that has ever played for Manchester United.
| Cup Name | Appearances | Goals |
| League Division One | 361 | 137 |
| FA Cup | 46 | 21 |
| League Cup | 25 | 9 |
| European Cup | 21 | 9 |
| Charity Shield | 2 | 1 |
1. ERIC DANIEL CANTONA
Appearances – 185
Goals – 82
Eric Cantona joined the club in the year 1992 and played his debut match against Manchester City in the same year. The French striker came to be known as “The King” of Old Trafford during his stay at the club. Cantona may not be the typical goal-scoring striker but played an important role in leading the team from the front. He has played an integral role in transforming the fate of Manchester United during the 90s.
Cantona drove the team to win their first league title since 1967 and acted as a catalyst in all the games to come. His football skills clubbed with his looks made him a legend in the eyes of the fans. The French striker went on to be a part of many major victories during his time at Old Trafford. Cantona donned the Red Devils jersey like no other and hence gained a lot of love from the fans. He played a total of 185 games and scored 82goals during his career at United.
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Eric Cantona made a long-lasting impression in the minds of the fans both on and off the field where he showcased his arrogance, panache and flair. Although his career at Manchester United was a short one, he managed to win four league titles and two FA Cups. The Frenchman is remembered for his excellent footwork and unique style of playing which helped United to kick-start their triumphant era.
| Cup Name | Appearances | Goals |
| Premiership | 143 | 64 |
| FA Cup | 17 | 10 |
| European Cup | 16 | 5 |
| League Cup | 6 | 1 |
| Charity Shield | 3 | 2 |
Special mention to Sir Bobby Charlton who used to hold the record for the highest goal scorer of Manchester United till Wayne Rooney surpassed it. He was an excellent striker with over-the-top dribbling skills and had a nose for goal. Sir Charlton will always be remembered as one of the best strikers in the game of football alongside the others.
Other Notable Mentions who were the top contenders for the list of the 5 Best All-time Strikers of Manchester United:
- Dennis Viollet
- Jack Rowley
- Tommy Taylor
- Andy Cole
- Mark Hughes
