02 December 2023 , 06:50
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In their 145-year history, Manchester United have had some of the most talented strikers to ever play the game.
Some have been products of the famed Red Devils’ academy, while others have been bought at great expense by a host of former managers. There have been varying degrees of success for some of the club’s frontmen, but the more prolific have been key to the club’s success.
United boast 20 top-flight title wins, while they have also scooped the FA Cup on 12 occasions, the League Cup on a further six, with three European Cups to their name. Mirror Football has turned to AI to come up with a definitive list on who have been the best strikers to ever don the Red Devils’ shirt.
5) Ruud van Nistelrooy
With 150 goals in 219 games, the Dutchman is one of the most prolific forwards to play for the Red Devils following his arrival from PSV. Following a very public falling-out with Sir Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy left Old Trafford to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He continued his prolific form at the Bernabeu before going on to represent Hamburg and Malaga. Van Nistelrooy sits eighth in the club’s all-time record goalscorers list.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has a stunning goalscoring record at Man United (Getty Images)Who do you think is the best striker in Man United history? Share your thoughts in the comments below
4) Cristiano Ronaldo
A two-time Manchester United player, the Red Devils unlocked the Portuguese icon’s potential after signing him from Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo scored 118 goals during his first stint at Old Trafford - which included an astounding 42-goal season in 2007/08.
That led to a move to Real Madrid where he harnessed his reputation as one of the greatest players to play the game. Ronaldo returned to Man United in 2021 and added a further 27 strikes to his record.
3) Eric Cantona
One of the most iconic players in Manchester United’s history, the flamboyant Frenchman arrived at the club in the early 1990s and had a transformative effect on the club. His skill, flair and leadership were all key to the early success under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Cantona scored 82 goals across 185 outings for the Red Devils ahead of a surprise retirement in 1997, with his most prolific season coming in 1993/94 with 25 goals.
Eric Cantona had a transformative effect in Man United (Getty Images)2) Denis Law
Claiming the runners-up spot is one part of United’s famed Holy Trinity. Law, known as the "King of the Stretford End," joined the club from Torino after spells with Huddersfield and Manchester City.
He went on to score 237 goals for the club over a hugely successful ten-year spell at Old Trafford. His form helped the side to two Division One titles, as well as the European Cup in 1968.
1) Bobby Charlton
A man synonymous with Manchester United, the forward was a prolific goalscorer for the Red Devils and was their all-time leading marksman until Wayne Rooney - who is not afforded a place in this list - broke his record in 2017.
Having come through the club’s youth academy, he netted 249 goals for the side and was a vital member of the famous Busby Babes. Charlton was fondly remembered by the club following his recent passing.