Top 10 players to play for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur

Interestingly, David Beckham has also been a part of both clubs during his career

The rivalry between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs is one that is rarely discussed. It may not have the same sentimental significance as the Manchester derby or Merseyside derby, but it is among the fiercest in recent times. Although both clubs have recently been at similar stature and are rebuilding, Manchester United have won three out of five of their last five matches, while Spurs have only won one. 

The two clubs' fans can't digest defeat from each other even though United and Spurs aren't historically rivals or inter-city rivals. Despite being very bitter rivalries, these two clubs have been involved in many transfers. A lot of big players, such as Dimitar Berbatov, have been part of both teams. Today we are going to look at these players.

10. Alan Brazil

Ipswich Town legend Alan Brazil is a former Scottish forward. The Glasgow-born striker played for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs but was not able to cement his position in either club. He emerged in English football after his heroics with Ipswich Town where he scored 70 goals from 154 appearances and was snapped by Tottenham Hotspurs. A season later, he moved to Manchester United, who sold him after two seasons.

9. Terry Gibson

Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur player Terry Gibson is currently a Spanish commentator for Sky Sports. The English forward was a youth product of Tottenham Hotspurs and played for them from 1979 to 1983. After not getting any opportunities, instead, he moved to Coventry City, where Manchester United got interested in him. He was signed by Manchester United in 1986 after his heroics in the Championship, but he did not replicate his form at Old Trafford. United sold him after just one season.

8. Frazer Campbell 

Frazer Campbell is a Manchester United's youth product and has played for a record eight clubs in English football. He began his career with Manchester United but wasn't able to make it into the starting eleven and was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspurs in 2008/09. In 2009, he left Manchester United for Sunderland, where he established himself as a key player.

Also Read: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Head-to-Head record

7. Chris McGrath

The legendary Northern Ireland winger Chris McGrath played for both Manchester United and Tottenham in the 1970s. Born in Belfast, the winger played for Tottenham Hotspurs from 1972 for three seasons and scored five goals. After his cold start to his career, he moved to Manchester United as a backup player. He stayed there for five seasons and only played 28 games.

6. Garth Crooks 

Garth Crooks is a former English forward and a well-respected figure in English football. OBE award winner is currently a BBC Sports pundit, but during his playing days, he was a fierce striker. He played five years at Tottenham Hotspurs and made 125 appearances. In the 1983/84 season, he was loaned to Manchester United, where he played often from the bench.

5. Louis Saha

Louis Saha is a Manchester United legend and a well-known Premier League figure. The French striker played four seasons at United and was a fierce force with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs. However, after a couple of disappointing seasons, he was transferred to Everton. In the January Window of 2012, he signed a six-month contract with Tottenham Hotspurs after leaving Everton. 

4. Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is a popular name among Manchester United fans and an indispensable member of United's dominance days. He played 316 games for the club and hung up his boots at Old Trafford. However, his impressive performance at Tottenham Hotspurs led to his signing in 2006. Formerly between 2004 and 2006, he played 64 games for the Lilywhites.

3. Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen has emerged as the Premier League's biggest surprise signing this season, and Manchester United couldn't be happier. After his tragic accident at Euro 2020, the Danish midfielder was on the verge of retirement but has now made his way back to the top. Currently, Eriksen plays for Manchester United, but Tottenham Hotspurs have played a significant role in his career. He made 226 appearances for them and still is well-respected at the club.

2. Teddy Sheringham

In terms of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs rivalry, Teddy Sheringham is the name who has lived it the most. Both clubs regard the English striker as a legend and he was transferred twice between the clubs. In 1997, he was signed by United after being one of Tottenham Hotspur's best players from 1992 to 1997. Although he showed early promise, he was transferred back to Tottenham Hotspurs in 2001 after failing to impress Sir Alex Ferguson.

1. Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov is one of the most iconic names in this rivalry and his transfer to Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspurs is one of the most iconic moments. During his time with Lilywhites from 2006 to 2008, the Bulgarian striker emerged as one of the league's lethal strikers. Although when Manchester United came calling for him, he rejected a new contract from Spurs and an offer from Manchester City to join the Red Devils. Finally, he won two Premier League with United and finished runners-ups of the Champions twice.