One of the largest football clubs in the world, without question, is Manchester United. Manchester United is the all-time leader in English Premier League championships, with 20 victories dating back to 1889.
Moreover, according to the most recent edition of Deloitte Football Money League, Manchester United has maintained its position as the richest football club in the world.
In large part, the club’s success can be credited to the efforts of its players and coaches. But in this article, we’ll focus on the club’s greatest wingers. In an attacking position, wingers are counted on to be crucial contributors in scoring and assisting. They play in wide offensive positions and are typically charged with supporting their offense.
George Best
George Best will forever be remembered as one of United’s greatest players. Many fans even consider him to be on par with Duncan Edwards. At the height of his career, Best was lethal in any of the three positions he could play (wing, upfront, or behind a central striker). The Belfast Boy was called “the greatest player in the world” by Pelé.
He placed fifth in the FIFA Player of the Century voting and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1968. He played 470 games for the team and scored 179 goals, many of which were sensational.
Best, who battled alcoholism for much of his adult life, passed away in 2005 at 59. Yet, football fans will never forget him as an enormously brilliant player who played the game with an energy and confidence that fully reflects his juvenile appearance and frame.
Andrei Kanchelskis
During his prime, Andrei Kanchelskis’ brilliance was indisputable. After Steve Coppell retired from Manchester United eight years prior, Andrei Kanchelskis was the club’s first dedicated right winger. A winger with outstanding speed and the ability to beat the fullback one-on-one, Kanchelskis’s speed was arguably his best strength.
In one instance, Kanchelskis’ use of his speed resulted in United being penalized in the 1994 FA Cup final by making runs from the right side and receiving balls from midfield after United recovered possession following an opposition attack. Kanchelskis’ speed was a significant asset when he made runs off the ball, allowing him to avoid offside calls and get in position to receive well-timed passes behind the defense.
Manchester United’s early success in the premier league games was largely due to the play of three wingers: Kanchelskis, Lee Sharpe, and Ryan Giggs. Using a direct approach to playing the wing, as Kanchelskis did, made him ideal for counter-attacking situations in football.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs played a significant role in United’s incredible success and was instrumental in many unforgettable moments. Throughout a 23-year career at Manchester United, the winger became the most lauded player in English football. He appeared in 963 games for the club, scoring 168 times and assisting countless others.
His lightning pace and nifty footwork intimidated the opposition and opened up the field for the rest of a capable team. He could also score stunning goals that would leave his opponents stunned.
Former Welsh international footballer Ryan Giggs was admitted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2005, but he got his trophy in the 2015 ceremony. He then presented it to his former teammate Gary Neville.
Cristiano Ronaldo
When he signed with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo was just 18 years old. His first position on the field was as a winger or wide midfielder in the then-preferred 4-4-2 formation. He was a cunning winger who never hesitated to take on defenders and make things happen whenever he gained possession of the ball.
With his incredible goal-scoring prowess, Ronaldo naturally ranks higher than many conventional wingers. As he was so flexible, he could take up any wing position. He was supposed to set up the goals for the major strikers but often found himself in the middle of the field, a position most wingers avoid. He frequently had to track back to assist the team’s defenders, just like every other player in that position had to do.
David Beckham
Even though Beckham is among the players on this list who is likely the least “winger-like,” his one outstanding skill as a wide player justifies his spot in this list. He was a football club legend who excelled in dead-ball situations and through his passing vision. Beckham’s fame was founded not merely on media adoration but also his extraordinary skill and work ethic.
He established himself as a first-team regular on the right side of midfield and played a crucial role in his team’s 1996–97 League title defense. Beckham was honored for his efforts by being named PFA Young Player of the Year 1998–1999.
Conclusion
A good winger should be agile, smart, skilled at dribbling and crossing, and capable of putting the ball in the back of the net. All of these qualities are shared by the players from United who are on our list! Although most of them have long since retired, the glory they brought the club during their time will never be forgotten by the supporters!
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