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Arguably the most popular club in world football, Manchester United have not tasted Premier League success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2012-13. These days they play mediocre football, often looking directionless, and do not seem to have the steely determination needed to win major titles.
In such dark times, United need the guidance of their captains and veteran stars. They need players who can lead by example and bring the glory days back.
The men on our list today did just that; they brought hope, optimism, and aggression when the team were struggling for relevancy.
Here are the top five captains Manchester United have ever seen:
#5 Eric Cantona
A charismatic leader, exceptional footballer and infamous hot-head - it is no surprise that Eric Cantona is one of football’s biggest cult figures. The Frenchman, who led Manchester United for five glorious years, was signed from Leeds United for €1.8million in 1992.
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Cantona was only appointed captain in 1996-97, but he was leading United unofficially from the first time he stepped onto the pitch.
Cantona, who infamously “kung-fu kicked” a Crystal Palace “supporter,” had his fair share of controversies. He was brash and often reckless, caring very little about the consequences of his actions.
However, even all of this negativity could not eclipse the genius of his game. Cantona was a magnificent scorer, a gorgeous dribbler, and was always hungry for more success.
Had he not retired out of the blue at the end of the 1996-97 campaign, he would have surely brought home a few more trophies.
#4 Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson was brought in by new Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson from West Bromwich Albion in 1981. Robson was signed for a then-British record fee of £1.5million, which upset Sir Matt Busby so much that he resigned from the board.
Robson, however, turned out to be a bargain for Manchester United, emerging as one of their most influential captains.
Robson got the armband right away and thrived under the added pressure of representing a great club. Despite leading a rather unremarkable team, the exceptional midfielder brought home three FA Cups (1983, 1985, 1990), scoring a brace in the 1983 triumph.
Robson’s energy, pace, passing and vision allowed him to dominate the midfield with unmatched authority.
Robson was the star of the Manchester United side in the 1980s, and fans must celebrate Ron Atkinson for bringing “Captain Marvel” to Old Trafford.
#3 Steve Bruce
In the late 1980s, Manchester United raided Norwich City to get their first-choice centre-back Steve Bruce for a meager €1.2million. The transfer bolstered United greatly in the 1987-88 campaign, giving them a leg to stand on against stronger opponents.
Bruce was quick to strike up a partnership with Gary Pallister and went on to deliver memorable trophies down the road.
Bruce was not the most physically intimidating player on the pitch, but he was surely a handful for forwards. He was exceptional in the air, could tackle as his life depended on it, and occasionally popped up with decisive goals.
Bruce famously scored two decisive goals against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1992-93 season, which led to Manchester United’s first league title in 26 years.
Bruce, who became captain after Robson’s departure in 1991, led United to a "double-double" of Premier League and FA Cup wins in 1993-94 and 1995-96.
#2 Sir Bobby Charlton
No discussion of Manchester United captains can be completed without mentioning the great Sir Bobby Charlton. He survived the tragic Munich disaster in 1958 and voluntarily led the rebuilding process over the next decade.
One of the “Busby Babes,” Charlton was not handed the armband right away, as the club did not believe he was up for it. However, through determination and steely performances week in, week out, Charlton earned the right to be named captain of Manchester United in 1967.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester United enjoyed an exceptional campaign, winning the European Cup at the end of the season.
Charlton, who scored 249 goals in 758 appearances, was named European Footballer of the Year in 1966. The majestic forward led the club until his retirement at the end of the 1972-73 campaign.
#1 Roy Keane
Many exceptional men have led Manchester United over the years, but Roy Keane somehow eclipses them all, by a distance. In many ways, the Irishman was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of Manchester United. He was proud, determined, famished, and always prepared to bleed for the cause.
Keane’s temperament used to get him in trouble more often than not, but the midfielder was much more than an outlaw. He was an exceptional dribbler, could score when he wanted to, and could tackle even the strongest forwards out of the game.
Keane won the famous Manchester United armband following Eric Cantona’s retirement in 1997 and he repaid the faith by leading Manchester United to their first treble.
The 1998-99 treble winner made 480 appearances for the club, winning 17 trophies.
