Cristiano Ronaldo named 10th greatest Manchester United player

The Athletic ranked Cristiano Ronaldo as the 10th‑best player in Manchester United’s history in its list of the club’s top 25 footballers, compiled by writer Andy Mitten. The ranking highlights Ronaldo’s two spells at Old Trafford – 346 appearances and 145 goals – and notes that his £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009 remains United’s largest sale.

During his first spell (2003‑2009) Ronaldo helped the team win nine trophies, including three Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League. The 2007‑08 season saw him score 42 goals in all competitions, 31 in the league, and earn the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first United player since George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton to win the award. He also swept the Premier League Player of the Season, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year honours in a single campaign.

Former United defender Patrice Evra credited Sir Alex Ferguson with transforming Ronaldo from a talented winger into a prolific goalscorer, saying “Ferguson made him a killer, made him a man.” Ex‑captain Gary Neville also praised Ronaldo’s extraordinary training skills.