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It's fair to say that Manchester United are no longer the team they once were.
A side known for their consistent domination of the Premier League seems a shadow of their former selves in today's context. Their squad boasted several world-class players at one time but the club is going through a transition phase currently.
United are by far the most successful side in English football history. The Red Devils have won a record 13 Premier League titles, 20 overall English first division titles and three UEFA Champions League titles.
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Their last trophy, however, came in 2017 when they won the UEFA Europa League. Ever since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the side has found itself in a state of constant flux.
Several managers have tried to fill the shoes of the legend but have failed to meet the lofty expectations. United have also spent several million euros in the transfer market trying to strengthen their squad but have often failed to reap the benefits.
Let's take a look at five world-class players Manchester United have failed to replace:
#5. Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic is one of the best defenders in Manchester United's history.
The Serbian joined the Red Devils in 2006 and went on to enjoy eight successful years with the Manchester outfit. During his time with the club, Vidic won five Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy.
Vidic is regarded by many as the perfect Premier League defender. A hard-tackling player, he was known for his incredible judgment and aerial prowess. Vidic forged a formidable pairing with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Manchester United defense.
Vidic left the club in 2014 to join Inter Milan, but the club have yet to find a suitable replacement for the legend. The likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have tried to fill Vidic's shoes but have only come up short in comparison so far.
#4. Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand is one of the most decorated defenders in Premier League history.
The Englishman was signed from Leeds United in 2002, becoming the most expensive footballer in history at the time. Ferdinand was well known for his excellent distribution and precision in the air.
Ferdinand spent 12 years with the Red Devils, winning a host of trophies and individual awards. He won six Premier League titles, three English League Cup trophies and one UEFA Champions League first-place medal in his time at Old Trafford.
He also featured very regularly in the Premier League team of the year, a feat that has yet to be matched by his successors. Ferdinand and Vidic together formed one of the most successful centre-back pairings in Premier League history.
#3. Roy Keane
Roy Keane will go down as one of the best midfielders in the history of Manchester United and the Premier League.
The Irishman spent 12 long years with the Red Devils, winning pretty much every club-level trophy on offer. His standout abilities were his leadership and his never-say-die attitude.
Keane captained Manchester United to seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League. His aggressive style of play and competitiveness often gave his side the edge over their opponents.
Keane is one player United have not come close to replacing. United's midfield has often been described as a problem area. The lack of a proper defensive midfielder in the squad has led to an imbalance in the middle of the park.
While Bruno Fernandes has been a welcome addition, the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay have not been consistent enough to help the side challenge for top honors.
Manchester United could certainly do with a player of Keane's caliber.
#2. Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is one of the most decorated midfielders in Premier League history.
The Englishman spent the entirety of his footballing career with Manchester United. Spanning for close to 20 years, Scholes' time with the club yielded spectacular results: 11 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
Known for his impeccable passing and excellent distribution, Scholes was often seen nestled at the base of the midfield. He was capable of switching play effortlessly and also had a lethal long shot in his locker.
Scholes is often regarded as the quintessential central midfielder. United have tried to replace him many times since his retirement in 2013 but a worthy successor is yet to be found.
#1. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is a bonafide member of the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Rooney joined United from Everton in 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history. Known for his aggressive nature and eye for goal, Rooney was signed as a 18-year-old and went on to become one of the club's biggest-ever legends.
The Englishman's biggest skills were his versatility and intelligence on the field. Deployed in several positions throughout his career, Rooney showed that he was capable of creating value from anywhere on the field.
Rooney's best attribute was his goalscoring ability. In his 13 years with the club, Rooney scored 253 goals and recorded 161 assists in 559 appearances across all competitions. He is still the club's record goalscorer and holds a tally that will not be surpassed anytime soon.
United have tried over the years to replace Rooney but with little luck so far.
