10 best goals in Man Utd's history - with Paul Scholes' Villa rocket in ninth
In September 2020, Marcus Rashford scored the 10,000th goal in Manchester United's long and illustrious history.
It would be near impossible for a human to decide the 10 greatest goals scored by a United player, but that is a challenge artificial intelligence relishes. So, Mirror Football asked the popular AI website ChatGPT to reveal the top 10... and the results are intriguing.
Although United were formed as Newton Heath way back in 1878, none of the goals on AI's list were scored before 1971. Yet there are only two goals from the 21st century included - with Alejandro Garnacho's stunner against Everton too soon for AI to handle.
We know you're all dying to know the top 10, so let's dive in. Here are the greatest goals scored in United's history... if AI is to be believed.
10. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Bayern Munich, 1999
A goal that will never be forgotten by United fans. With Sir Alex Ferguson's team losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, it seemed as if their dream of winning a second European Cup was fading. But then came a dramatic conclusion.
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Teddy Sheringham scored a 91st-minute equaliser to seemingly send the game into extra-time. Yet United didn't need it, as Solskjaer got on the end of Sheringham's flick-on to poke home the winner. Bayern's players, and no one else for that matter, could believe it.
9. Paul Scholes vs Aston Villa, 2006
Paul Scholes scored a memorable volley against Aston Villa (Getty Images)What do you think the greatest goal in Manchester United's history is? Let us know in the comments below!
The 2006/07 campaign was one of Ferguson's most important, as United claimed their first Premier League triumph in four years. It was the start of a memorable run. They won four more titles over the next six years, as well as the Champions League in 2008.
One of the highlights of that season was United's 3-0 win against Villa, with the game being remembered for Scholes' strike. After a corner was cleared high into the sky, he watched the ball drop down before volleying into the underside of the bar. Magnificent.
8. Mark Hughes vs Oldham, 1994
The first of Hughes' two goals on this list. United completed their first-ever league and FA Cup double in 1994, but it almost never happened. That's because they were just seconds away from a 1-0 defeat to Oldham in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
In the 120th minute of the tie, Hughes latched on to a hopeful flick on and volleyed the ball home. United went on to hammer Oldham 4-1 in the replay at Maine Road - Manchester City's home at the time - before thumping Chelsea 4-0 in the final.
7. Bryan Robson vs Brighton, 1983
Quite simply, United couldn't afford to lose this FA Cup final. The Red Devils had gone six years without a trophy and were the big favourites to win at Wembley considering their opponents were Brighton, who finished bottom of the First Division that season.
Yet Brighton stunned United by holding them to a 2-2 draw. The replay took place at Wembley five days later and United needed someone to step up. Thankfully for them, Robson produced a brilliant left-footed strike to start the scoring en route to a 4-0 win.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Porto, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo's strike against Porto was stunning and important (Getty Images)Ronaldo had to be included on this list. The most recent United player to win the Ballon d'Or produced a stunning 40-yard hit to give Ferguson's side the lead in the second leg of this Champions League quarter-final. It was an effort few players would attempt.
It was also an important goal. The first leg at Old Trafford finished 2-2, meaning United had to score Estadio do Dragao to progress. Ronaldo didn't let them down.
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5. Ryan Giggs vs Arsenal, 1999
One of the most famous goals on the list. United didn't storm to the Treble in 1999. They almost lost to Bayern in the Champions League final, they won the Premier League by just a point, and they probably should've lost to Arsenal in their FA Cup semi-final.
The first game between the two heavyweights of English football finished goalless, forcing a replay at Villa Park three days later. David Beckham opened the scoring before Dennis Bergkamp equalised. Roy Keane was then sent off in the 74th minute.
With United down to 10 players, a defeat seemed likely. It seemed even more likely when Phil Neville conceded a penalty. But Peter Schmeichel saved it to give Giggs time to flourish. The winger picked up the ball in the middle of the park and just ran.
Giggs went past Patrick Vieira, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown and Dixon again before smashing the ball into the roof of the net. The Wales international celebrated by ripping his shirt off and swinging it high into the air. It's regarded as one of the FA Cup's best strikes.
4. Mark Hughes vs Barcelona, 1991
United ended their 23-year wait for a European trophy by beating Barcelona in the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup final. Ferguson's side opened the scoring in Rotterdam when Steve Bruce flicked on Robson's free kick for Hughes to score a simple tap-in.
Yet the goal everyone remembers is Hughes' second. The Welshman was sent through on goal and calmly went around goalkeeper Carles Busquets before finding the net. Ronald Koeman pulled a goal back for Barcelona, but United held on for the victory.
3. Wayne Rooney vs Manchester City, 2011
Wayne Rooney scored an outrageous bicycle kick against Manchester City (Getty Images)Surely this goal should be in the top two? Rooney scored arguably the greatest goal of his career in this derby, as he produced a shock bicycle kick. As Martin Tyler said in the commentary, "It defies description. How about sensational? How about superb?"
Rooney's remarkable strike helped United win 2-1 and remind City they were still Manchester's leading team (for the time being, anyway). It was voted as the Premier League's greatest-ever goal at their 20 Seasons Awards ceremony in 2012.
2. Eric Cantona vs Sunderland, 1996
One of the goals Rooney defeated in that vote was this stunner from Cantona, raising huge question marks over AI's judgement! United hammered Sunderland 5-0 at Old Trafford on their way to a fourth Premier League title in five years.
The crowning moment of this victory was Cantona's goal. The Frenchman danced past two helpless defenders before playing a one-two with Brian McClair. He then chipped the ball over the goalkeeper and held his arms aloft to take the acclaim. Pure arrogance.
1. George Best vs Sheffield United, 1971
This was George at his Best. United's No.10 took down the ball in midfield before darting across the pitch in a diagonal line - beating several players in the process - and slotting the ball into the far corner. It was an unstoppable moment of magic from the wizard.
Best was the ultimate football maverick; a flamboyant genius who was capable of doing almost anything with the ball but hampered by off-field demons. His United career ended when the club were relegated to the Second Division in 1974, aged just 27.
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