5 greatest foreign players to have played for Manchester United in the Premier League

Arsenal v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Semi Final
Arsenal v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

#3 Roy Keane

England v Wales - International Friendly
England v Wales - International Friendly

Roy Keane's spell as a pundit may have split opinion, but as a player there were few who did not regard him as world-class.

The Republic of Ireland international made his name at Nottingham Forest, and joined Manchester United in 1993 for £7.6 million. Keane was an aggressive midfielder who was technically gifted, with his consistency and hard work standing out on a regular basis.

Keane's career was not controversy-free, and his aggression was not always well received. However, he is a Manchester United legend, and like Schmeichel, played an important role as Manchester United won the treble in 1999.


#2 Eric Cantona

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018

Eric Cantona is one of Manchester United's greatest players ever, a footballer who was pivotal in establishing the club as a force to be reckoned with under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"King Eric", as he has been nicknamed by Manchester United fans, was an iconic player. He joined Manchester United from Leeds United in 1992.

Cantona combined excellent technical skills and goalscoring ability with his commanding personality, and is often credited with bringing a certain amount of charisma to Manchester United.

Like Keane, Cantona's career was not controversy-free. However, he is seen as Manchester United's best-ever acquisition, due to his ability on the field and the swagger he brought to the club.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Final
Barcelona v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Final

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players to have played the game, and Manchester United fans continue to hope that he returns to the club one day.

Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 as a youngster with raw talent. At Old Trafford, he became one of the best in the world.

The Portugal international became a focused individual in England, developing himself technically and physically.

At Manchester United, Ronaldo made 292 appearances in all competitions, scoring 118 goals and providing 69 assists.

He won three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with United, while also winning his first Ballon d'Or with the Red Devils.


Also Read: 5 teams that could beat PSG in the UEFA Champions League (2021-22)

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Edited by Arjun Panchadar
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