The greatest Manchester United player

Great idea for a thread.
 
The one that had the biggest impact on me as a Utd fan.

George Best
 
The one and only Sir Bobby Charlton. Only two players in history of the club can be considered more talented than him (Best and C. Ronaldo, Edwards excluded), but the gap between them is minimal, if there is any. He also proved himself on an international stage more than those two - and more than any other United player, actually.

Add to that his personal ties with Manchester United - he dedicated his whole life to the club, from his youth until today, his impecable image, longevity and a lead role in the biggest comeback in United history - no one comes close.
 
The greatest Manchester United player - Charlton

The greatest player to play at Manchester United - Ronaldo
 
Charlton has the whole package, so I'll say him.
 
The boy from Belfast.

He set us apart from the traditional British outfits in the European circuit and started the tradition of that player with the X factor which continues till today. His contribution in defining our club's culture and the importance of flair, entertainment, authority on the pitch and most importantly always giving gifted naturally talented players opportunities and constantly having some of the most gifted players in Europe at United. The very definition of a marquee player, the greatest #7 and that's what one of United's biggest characteristics has been. That one player in the team with all the glamour, the one who all the media wants to follow, the one who becomes an generational icon and gives United that massive popularity that makes us such a big club. Compared to other British clubs over the years, that is what has given us the edge on the pitch and off it. That is what grinds the Scouse gears the most. The limelight that United enjoys despite whatever they do, and this man was the one who transformed our stature from a very good English club to the one that everyone in Europe wants to watch, read about and notice. The likes of Beckham and Cristiano carried on this legacy really well and we are to this day continuing the tradition of having the one superstar in the team who has the attitude of a rockstar on the pitch. We've had some great teams but a common theme has been having this one global icon in the team around whom it is built.

Of course no one comes close to Sir Matt or Sir Alex in what the club is what it is today but among the players, he put us on the map. And we've never left it since.
 
He also proved himself on an international stage more than those two - and more than any other United player, actually.
Don't think that's relevant here, and most of our other great players didn't have much chance with their NTs (N Ireland, Portugal, Ireland, Wales..).

As far as their stature as a United player goes there's hardly anything between Best and Charlton for example. We wouldn't have done what we did without either of those (and Law!).
 
In the recent era: Cantona. It's an almost unspoken truth that his presence, flair and unpredictability kick-started the PL/Sky era. Along with the exciting flair of Giggs, Eric was crucially important to the success story we see at present. In total, though, SAF's Manchester United is responsible for that success story.
 
It's a great opening post but so difficult too say. There's so so many to choose from :D
Best, Charlton, Ronaldo, Scholes, Cantona, Edwards, law, Giggs, Keane, Rooney, Robson. Could even mention a few goalkeepers.

I'm going with Scholes. :)
 
Eric, good player, but never a great player.

For me, Sir Bobby, had longevity and a peak high enough to win the D'or.
 
Don't think that's relevant here, and most of our other great players didn't have much chance with their NTs (N Ireland, Portugal, Ireland, Wales..).

As far as their stature as a United player goes there's hardly anything between Best and Charlton for example. We wouldn't have done what we did without either of those (and Law!).
The term is "the greatest" and there isn't any objective value of greatness. For some their exploits with the NT also count, some will add Ronaldo's years at Madrid to argue his stature as United's greatest ever footballer...

Charlton played more for United and he was a part of the Busby Babes, witnessing the greatest tragedy in history of the club and being a main figure for the rebuilding that followed, for me it gives him an edge over Best
 
Charlton.

If anyone picks Ronaldo I'll fight them after school.
 
Sir Bobby Charlton was a great player, and has been a great ambassador for our club for decades. He's United through and through. He epitomises the word great in every context.
 
Charlton.

But just think about these names and reflect on how blessed United have been: Meredith, Rowley, Edwards, Violet, Charlton, Best, Law, Buchan, Robson, Keane, Cantona, Giggs, Scholes, Ronaldo ... etc...
 
Ronaldo. Won everything here and is arguably the greatest of all time.

George Best would be a very close second.

However Charlton is the biggest "legend" for the club.
 
The greatest Manchester United player - Charlton

The greatest player to play at Manchester United - Ronaldo
I think that's pretty accurate. In my lifetime anyway.

EDIT: I suppose I should add that if I could go back in time and watch any single individual that's played for United it would have to be George. Mercurial talent!
 
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From a personal POV from who I've seen, Cantona, Ronaldo or Scholes.

From a perspective throughout history, has to be Sir Bobby. He's been through and achieved so much, is pretty much Mr Manchester United.
 
Was with @harms but @Moby post was pretty beautiful.

I pick Bobby Best.

FWIW I don't think it is as cut and dry to say Best is superior player to Charlton. Sir Bobby was a magnificent talent and I think people overlook that and think he's just an excellent player who was a tip top professional.. no he's one of the most gifted footballers of all time from any nation.

Two footed, amazing dribbler, can shoot from anywhere, can dictate a game.. left guys like Beckenbauer on his ass. A genius footballer who has the trophies/consistency and longevity to match.