George Best
The Belfast Boy was a killer on the pitch and the original lady killer off it. He was the first true poster boy of the game, the “fifth Beatle,” his appeal spanning generations—the girls as crazy about his looks as the boys were about the way he dazzled defences. When he was discovered by Northern Ireland scout Bob Bishop, he sent this telegram to Sir Matt Busby : “I think I’ve found a genius,” and the then 15-year-old went on to make 470 appearances for United, scoring 179 goals. Superstardom killed him.
Eric Cantona
Very much a shock signing by Alex Ferguson in 1992, for what can now be declared a ridiculously low £1million from Leeds United, Cantona was the rogue genius of European football before his
arrival at Old Trafford. He was untamed and unmanageable. He inspired younger players like Ryan Giggs and David Beckham to express themselves; he became the icon of Ferguson’s first title triumph. His arrogance and exhibitionism was at times awe-inspiring, Many will always remember him more for his Kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan, but that moment clouds what he achieved as a United player.
David Beckham
If George Best was the first poster boy of soccer, Beckham took it to a whole new level, becoming a marketing man’s dream, and by the time he was playing for Real Madrid in 2004, becoming the world’s highest-paid footballer—on his actual salary because only a small part of the money he made in sponsorship deals. Signed as a 17-year-old in 1992, from Leytonstone in London would make himself a right-wing sensation, becoming like another United No. 7 before him in Bryan Robson, captain of England. Alex Ferguson, however, grew tired of how Beckham embraced the pop culture side of his life after marrying Victoria, Posh Spice and sold him to Real in 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo
He became, amongst other things, the first United player to win the Ballon d’Or in 40 years. Great Johan Cruyff, who lifted that award three times, saying of him : “He was better than George Best or Denis Law.” Ronaldo arrived from Sporting for £12.24 million in 2003. In season 2007-08, he scored an amazing 42 goals in 49 appearances, and it should be noted that in May of this year, he outperformed the Ferenc Puskas, becoming the highest scorer in a season for Real, scoring 51 times and beating the legendary striker’s record tally by two goals.There may have been no greater phenomenon in Old Trafford history than Ronaldo, far less in the history of the global game.
Micheal Owen
Michael Owen currently has the honour of wearing the most famous shirt number in the history of the club; a number that connects him with a lineage of genius.
The Belfast Boy was a killer on the pitch and the original lady killer off it. He was the first true poster boy of the game, the “fifth Beatle,” his appeal spanning generations—the girls as crazy about his looks as the boys were about the way he dazzled defences. When he was discovered by Northern Ireland scout Bob Bishop, he sent this telegram to Sir Matt Busby : “I think I’ve found a genius,” and the then 15-year-old went on to make 470 appearances for United, scoring 179 goals. Superstardom killed him.Eric Cantona
Very much a shock signing by Alex Ferguson in 1992, for what can now be declared a ridiculously low £1million from Leeds United, Cantona was the rogue genius of European football before his
arrival at Old Trafford. He was untamed and unmanageable. He inspired younger players like Ryan Giggs and David Beckham to express themselves; he became the icon of Ferguson’s first title triumph. His arrogance and exhibitionism was at times awe-inspiring, Many will always remember him more for his Kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan, but that moment clouds what he achieved as a United player.
David Beckham
If George Best was the first poster boy of soccer, Beckham took it to a whole new level, becoming a marketing man’s dream, and by the time he was playing for Real Madrid in 2004, becoming the world’s highest-paid footballer—on his actual salary because only a small part of the money he made in sponsorship deals. Signed as a 17-year-old in 1992, from Leytonstone in London would make himself a right-wing sensation, becoming like another United No. 7 before him in Bryan Robson, captain of England. Alex Ferguson, however, grew tired of how Beckham embraced the pop culture side of his life after marrying Victoria, Posh Spice and sold him to Real in 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo
He became, amongst other things, the first United player to win the Ballon d’Or in 40 years. Great Johan Cruyff, who lifted that award three times, saying of him : “He was better than George Best or Denis Law.” Ronaldo arrived from Sporting for £12.24 million in 2003. In season 2007-08, he scored an amazing 42 goals in 49 appearances, and it should be noted that in May of this year, he outperformed the Ferenc Puskas, becoming the highest scorer in a season for Real, scoring 51 times and beating the legendary striker’s record tally by two goals.There may have been no greater phenomenon in Old Trafford history than Ronaldo, far less in the history of the global game.
Micheal Owen
Michael Owen currently has the honour of wearing the most famous shirt number in the history of the club; a number that connects him with a lineage of genius.
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