Top 10 Manchester United academy graduates of all-time

The club has produced many incredible talents from their academy over the years.

Manchester United is popular for building success on the back of their homegrown talent. In the process of becoming one of the most successful English clubs of all-time, the outfit majorly put its faith in its academy players. The Red Devils have named at least one academy graduate in the Premier League matchday squad in more than 4000 consecutive games. 

This shows their commitment towards developing homegrown players and giving them a platform to succeed. The academy graduates scored all three goals in a recent 3-1 win against Brentford. The club have produced some of the finest footballers the sport has ever witnessed. Here are the top 10 Manchester United academy graduates of all-time.

10. Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood makes the list solely based on his future potential and present talent. He burst onto the scene and broke club legend Wayne Rooney’s record of most goals at the club as a teenager with 16 strikes. The 20-year-old has immense promise and can finish with both feet with equal precision.

9. Paul Pogba

FIFA World Cup and UEFA Nations League winner with France and UEFA Europa League winner with Manchester United, Paul Pogba is another one of Manchester United’s great academy graduates. The midfielder returned to the club in 2016 for a £94.50m fee (club record) from Juventus for a second stint after leaving in 2012.

8. Phil Neville

Neville was part of the Class of 92’ which went on to have long and successful careers at Manchester United. The defender was versatile and a hard worker, who did not rely solely on technical ability. He won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups and three FA Community Shields with the club. 

7. Gary Neville

The other Neville brother, Gary stayed at the club longer than Phil. The right-back also captained the club for a long period of time, overlooking major success. He won 12 Premier League titles with Manchester United along with two UCL trophies, four FA Cups, three League Cups, seven Community Shields, one Club World Cup and one Intercontinental Cup. 

6. Marcus Rashford

Rashford is the new-age role model for upcoming Manchester United graduates who want to emulate his feats. The forward has achieved major success already after bursting onto the scene with debut goals in the UEL and the Premier League. The 24-year-old already has 287 appearances for the senior team and will probably stay at the club through the course of his career.

5. George Best

Best is one of the most gifted footballers ever to don the Manchester United colours. His dribbling and goalscoring ability was unparalleled. The striker won two league titles with the club in addition to a European championship among other silverware. Most importantly, Best won the Ballon d’Or in 1968, becoming the third player from the club to do so.

4. Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs was also part of the Class of 92’ that established Manchester United on the pinnacle of English football. The Welshman showed incredible longevity, becoming the record holder for most appearances in a United shirt. He featured in 945 senior appearances for the club in addition to playing in the academy. He has 250 assists as well, most by any United player. In terms of trophies, Giggs won 35 with the club.

3. David Beckham

Beckham established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. He graduated from the Manchester United academy alongside greats like Giggs, the Neville brothers and others until an altercation with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson saw him leave the club after 12 years at the club. He also won six Premier League titles in addition to one UCL trophy and six other domestic cups with the Red Devils.

2. Paul Scholes

Scholes is as one of the finest midfielders ever to play for Manchester United and England. Many greats of the game hold the midfield maestro in high regard. As part of the 92’ class, Scholes went on to have a very successful career with the Red Devils. He won 11 Premier League titles, two UCL titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, five Community Shields, one Club World Cup and one Intercontinental Cup with the club. Hence he is regarded as one of the best Manchester United academy graduates of all time.

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton is more than a player, he is an inspiration and an icon at Manchester United. Possibly the greatest player to play for Manchester United and England, Charlton also came from the club’s youth ranks. The player survived the horrific Munich air crash which took the lives of multiple players and members of staff in 1958. However, after that he went on to win multiple titles with the club, helped England lift the FIFA World Cup in 1966 and won the Ballon d’Or that year. Today, Charlton has a statue in front of Old Trafford, a stand dedicated to him and is revered by millions of fans across the globe. 

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