Football Special Report: Top 13 legends that have played under Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (Part 3)
No.9 David Beckham (1993-2003)
David Beckham is the player who needs no introduction. One of the few players who have changed the way football is played. The England international is known for his model-like looks, along with a deadly eye and Curling free kicks. The midfielder is known to introduce curl in the free kicks, backed with a famous phrase, “Bend it like Beckham”. Beckham was part of United’s treble winning season. The player has scored over sixty goals for the club and was the most searched name in sports topic history in both 2003 and 2004. The player made curling free kicks famous and scored an audacious half line goal against Wimbledon in 96/97 season. That goal made Beckham famous and was known to chip the ball above goal keepers heads rather than scoring in 1 on 1 situations. David Beckham wore the coveted number 7 shirt, worn by the great Eric Cantona and lived up to its hype.
Beckham scored 16 goals in all competitions in the 01/02 season, which was his best ever season. The England international is the most capped player of England to date and before leaving United, was the longest serving player along with Ryan Giggs. In his ten years with the club, Beckham had transformed into a phenomenon and was the most famous person of his time. The player ignited a craze among football fans, with Beckham’s merchandise and posters become the most selling commodity.
The player was also present when United won the treble. United were losing 1-0 from Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions league final till the end of normal time. Beckham took two corner kicks after that and the Red Devils pulled the most famous come-from-behind victory of all time. United scored two goals in injury time, taking the match to 2-1. United won the match and successfully completed its first ever treble. David Beckham is therefore one of the best wingers to have ever played under Sir Alex Ferguson and is still respected among United Fans. Beckham returned to Old Trafford last season, in the colours of AC Milan and received a warm welcome from the Manchester United fans.
No.8 Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-2008)
When Beckham left the club, the number 7 shirt was up for grabs to any player. Cristiano Ronaldo became the player to be worthy enough to wear the coveted number 7 and lived up to the hype in his own special way. The speedy winger quickly made a name for himself at the club and was one of Ferguson’s most favourite players. The Portuguese international had everything needed in a player. Skill, speed, technique and charisma were the main characteristics in the winger and scored goals at will. Ronaldo revolutionized the game and took over where Beckham left. The player surpassed of what Beckham achieved in his ten years and was the inspiration behind United’s success after 2003. The player helped United to become the best team in Europe and was a treat to watch him play.
At such a young age, Ronaldo has won three premier league medals, one UEFA Champions league and one FA Cup. Individually, the award list goes on and on for the 25 year old. In his best season to date, Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions, which helped United complete a Hatrick of Premier league titles along with the Champions League. Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or award along with the FIFA World Player of the Year award that season. In his five years with the club, Ronaldo has scored 118 goals with the club, which ranks him one of the best players to have played for the club. Ronaldo was a complete footballer and apart from being a traditional winger/forward, he was also a free kick specialist. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is to be credited for the development of the player, who shaped the Portuguese winger into a World Wide phenomenon.
Tags: