I posted this on 606 and it sort of tanked so I thought I would post it here to see if it gets a better response. I was thinking about some of the players who have come and gone from United in my lifetime and it got me thinking who would be my favourite player from the past, present and future. I should stress that this is only based on my lifetime from the early 80s. Past ââ¬â A tough decision because of some of the great players who have come and gone but I have gone with Roy Keane. He may not have been the most technically gifted but he always gave 100% to the cause and played with great passion, grit and determination. If United were a goal down, he would grab the game (and players) by the scruff of the neck and haul us back into it. Present ââ¬â He will almost be considered the past but I have to go with Ryan Giggs. He is the ultimate professional, technically gifted, bleeds United and has been a great role model for future generations. He has provided us with so many great footballing moments over the years and will be sorely missed when he retires. Future ââ¬â As I have said in response to another article today, the player I am most excited about is Ryan Tunnicliffe. He has the natural footballing ability and he has the passion, and determination needed to succeed at United. Well, those are my choices, feel free to suggest your favourites in your lifetime and we can share our memories of the great players who have graced our great club.
Past - Bobby Charlton. An impeccable legend for both United and England Present - Giggsy. Cannot be beaten for professionalism and commitment to the club, although Scholesy comes close. Future - My mate's two year old son look pretty handy to date. He'll be the next English Messi, mark my words. Failing that, I'll have a word with the missus and see if she can't knock out a future footballer of the year. In the meantime, Larnell Cole has alwas caught my eye at youth level. Able to beat his man and deliver killer balls, but still able to display positional discipline and support the team.
Past Brian Robson a true leader Present. Giggs what can I say that has not been said Future. Danny Welbeck, If we can hold on to him, I see a good future in the lad
I wish I was alive to have seen him because I only know what he was like through historical footage. Damn my youth.
Me too, but when you see some of the footage it's just incredible. Some of his strikes are as good as any I've seen from a modern player, and they were with an irregular leather bladder that soaked up water over the course of the game, rather than the magical dippy swervy efforts they have today. Not to mention the muddy pitches he played that cut up almost every game, and the fact there were no subs for much of his career so he had to play every minute. Gotta wonder how impressive he'd be in the modern game with the lighter ball, squad rotation and much better pitches.
Tackling was a lot tougher back then as well with all of the well documented hard men of the sport. Nowadays the slightest bit of contact and players get free kicks and penalties, all for nothing. It really is embarrassing sometimes.
