Ranking the 10 best Manchester United strikers of all-time

Manchester United as a club have been known to play some of the most exciting and dominant football in English football history and are the most decorated club in the land.

While they have had great players in all positions play for the club, the Red Devils’ strikers have left a particularly sweet taste in the mouth of football aficionados.

These players have scored truck loads of goals during their time for the club and have set some incredible records as they earned their name among the best Manchester United strikers. Without further ado, let’s count down the top 10.

10. Dwight Yorke

Yorke came through the ranks as Aston Villa and spent most of his formative years with the Villans, before making the move to United in 1998. He spent just under five years with the Red Devils, but became one of the best Manchester United strikers in a short time.

A powerful and intelligent striker, Yorke was one of the best finishers in the game at the time. His ability to read the game and make smart runs allowed him to create chances freely. He made 152 appearances for the club, scoring 66 goals and providing 32 assists as well. Yorke won three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, among other honours.

9. Teddy Sheringham

Another iconic striker who joined the club in the latter part of his career, Sheringham initially made a name for himself during his eight-year stint with Millwall between 1983-91. He later had a successful spell with Tottenham that prompted Manchester United to secure his services in 1997 after some incredible seasons with Spurs.

Sheringham made 153 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 46 goals and providing 31 assists. He won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the Champions League while at the club, making him one of the best Manchester United strikers.

8. Mark Hughes

Recently known more for his managerial career than his playing career, Hughes was an important cog in Manchester United’s wheel during his playing days. He came through the youth ranks at the club and was integrated into the first team in 1980. He had an incredible six-year spell with the club and moved to Barcelona in 1986, before returning to United in 1988.

Hughes made a total of 432 appearances for the Red Devils across two spells, scoring 154 goals and providing 18 assists as well. He won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, among other honours, earning his spot among the best Manchester United strikers.

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7. Andy Cole

Considering the rivalry between the two clubs at the time, it seems unreal that a player who came through Arsenal’s youth ranks became one of the best Manchester United strikers. Cole had relatively short spells with multiple clubs including the Gunners, Bristol City and Newcastle, before he signed for United in 1995.

The Englishman was one of the most prolific players at the time and scored 121 goals along with 45 assists in 275 appearances for the Red Devils. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups during his time at the club.

6. Jack Rowley

Famously known as ‘Gunner’ due to his thunderous left-footed strikes, Rowley was one of the most prolific strikers in the sport during his prime years. Having begun his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth, Rowley made the switch in 1937 and became one of the best Manchester United strikers in the 17 years that followed.

He made 424 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 211 times in an incredibly successful tenure. He won the First Division title and the FA Cup in his time with the club, and was the centre-piece of the iconic ‘Busby Babes’ side under the legendary Sir Matt Busby.

5. Ruud van Nistelrooy

One of the most lethal and dominant strikers in the sport’s history, Van Nistelrooy plied his trade with the Red Devils between 2001-2006, having joined from PSV Eindhoven. He hit the ground running with 36 goals and eight assists in 49 appearances for the club in his first season and went on to score a total 150 goals in 219 appearances.

Van Nistelrooy was part of some epic Golden Boot races with Thierry Henry in the early-2000s, and won one Golden Boot as well as Player of the Year award for his incredible 2002/03 season with 44 goals and eight assists in 52 games. His trophy haul, however, was mediocre compared to others on this list as he won one Premier League and one FA Cup, among other honours.

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4. Denis Law

Law began his career at Huddersfield Town in 1956 and even had a spell with Manchester City before eventually joining United in 1962. The Scotsman then established himself as one of the best Manchester United strikers with his goal scoring ability.

Law made 374 appearances for the Red Devils, netting 221 times and providing 11 assists as well. He won two First Division titles, one FA Cup and one European Cup while representing the club for 11 years.

3. Sir Bobby Charlton

One of the most decorated and respected strikers in the history of the game, Sir Bobby Charlton came through the ranks at United’s youth academy before making his senior debut in 1956. He was also involved in the infamous Munich air disaster that killed a number of his teammates and club staff.

Charlton played an instrumental role in reviving the club as it rose from the ashes of the disaster. He formed an incredible trio alongside George Best and Denis Law as they took United to great heights. He made 758 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals in the process. He won three First Division titles and one European Cup with the club, earning his undisputed spot among the best Manchester United strikers.

2. Eric Cantona

Known for his immense personality and magnetic aura, Cantona is arguably the most influential player in the club’s rich history. However, unlike most other players on the list, Manchester United was Cantona’s last club in a successful career. He joined from Leeds United in 1992 after impressing while representing them.

Cantona made 184 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 81 goals and also providing 62 assists for his teammates. He won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his time with the club, and gave the fans several iconic moments as he cemented his spot as one of the best Manchester United strikers.

1. Wayne Rooney

The undisputed number one name on the list of the best Manchester United strikers is the club’s all-time top scorer – Wayne Rooney. Having come through the youth ranks at Everton, Rooney became the youngest Premier League goal scorer at the age of 16 and even scored a stunning goal against Arsenal. This caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and United as they signed him for £27 million in 2004.

Rooney made 559 appearances for the club, scoring a club record 253 goals and also providing 139 assists. Despite starting his career as a striker, he seamlessly transitioned into a midfielder or second striker in his later years. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and one FA Cup, among other honours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the best Manchester United striker?

A. Wayne Rooney is the best United striker of all-time.

Q. Who is Manchester United’s all-time top scorer?

A. Wayne Rooney leads the charts with 253 goals.

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