Manchester United, a footballing powerhouse, has a rich history illuminated by the brilliance of its players. From the legends of yesteryears to today’s stars, the club’s legacy is carved with unforgettable goal scorers.
Old Trafford, the iconic stage where dreams come alive, has witnessed a symphony of goals that resonate through time.
Recent stats tell us that Manchester United has had an impressive 526 top goal-scorers, each contributing to the club’s remarkable history.
Many of these players have achieved success in both the league and the FA Cup, while others have gone on to win prestigious titles like the European Cup or the Champions League, along with individual honors such as the Ballon d’Or.
However, with such a large pool of talented players, it can be challenging to keep track of who scored the most goals.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 most prolific goal-scorers in the club’s history, making it easier to appreciate the standout contributors to Manchester United’s scoring legacy.
- Who is Manchester United’s Top Goal Scorer of All Time?
- 1. Wayne Rooney (253 goals)
- 2. Sir Bobby Charlton (249 goals)
- 3. Denis Law (237 goals)
- 4. Jack Rowley (211)
- 5. Dennis Viollet (179 goals)
- 6. George Best (179 goals)
- 7. Joe Spence (168 goals)
- 8. Ryan Giggs (168 goals)
- 9. Mark Hughes (163 goals)
- 10. Paul Scholes (155 goals)
- 11. Ruud van Nistelrooy (150 goals)
- 12. Stan Pearson (148 goals)
- 13. David Herd (145 goals)
- 13. Cristiano Ronaldo (145 goals)
- 14. Tommy Taylor (131 goals)
- 15. Brian McClair (127 goals)
- 16. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (126 goals)
- 17. Marcus Rashford (125 goals)
- 18. Andy Cole (121 goals)
- 19. Bryan Robson (92 goals)
- 19. Anthony Martial (90 goals)
- 20. David Beckham (85 goals)
Who is Manchester United’s Top Goal Scorer of All Time?
1. Wayne Rooney (253 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: October 24, 1985
Appearances: 559
Goal Ratio: 0.45
In the course of Rooney’s remarkable United career, he tasted success across the board, continually setting new records even as he approached its final stages.
The pinnacle of Wayne’s goal-scoring prowess unfolded between 2009 and 2012 when he impressively netted 84 goals over three seasons.
Yet, his reliability as a scorer was a constant throughout his time at Old Trafford, consistently achieving 10 or more goals in 12 consecutive campaigns. As the 2016/17 season commenced, marking his farewell with the Reds, Rooney stood at 245 goals.
A memorable set-piece against Stoke eventually propelled him beyond Sir Bobby’s milestone, concluding his United legacy with an impressive tally of 253 goals—a mark poised to endure for the foreseeable future.
Rooney’s impact went beyond the numbers, defining an era of success for the Red Devils. His versatility and dynamic playing style played a pivotal role in securing three consecutive Premier League titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2008.
His name remains synonymous with Manchester United’s glory days, and his record-breaking goal tally stands as evidence to his enduring influence on the club’s rich footballing history.
2. Sir Bobby Charlton (249 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: October 11, 1937
Appearances: 758
Goal Ratio: 0.34
An iconic English midfielder, he excelled in skill and goal-scoring.
His crucial role in Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup victory highlighted his prowess. Renowned for powerful shots and precise passes, Charlton’s versatility earned widespread admiration.
His goal-scoring record stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. With dedication and talent, Charlton became an all-time great in English football, leaving a solid mark.
3. Denis Law (237 goals)
Nationality: Scotland
Date of Birth: February 24, 1940
Appearances: 404
Goal Ratio: 0.58
One of United’s most prolific strikers, Law remains unmatched in achieving the quickest-ever 100 goals for the Reds, accomplishing the feat in just 110 games after his 1962 move from Torino
Despite never winning the top spot in the English League scoring charts during his Old Trafford tenure.
Law’s consistently impressive scoring record, with 24+ goals in six of his first seven campaigns, suggests he could have easily claimed the top position if not for a string of knee injuries in the early 1970s.
His remarkable goal-scoring prowess and unfortunate setbacks solidify Law’s status as a legendary figure in the club’s history.
4. Jack Rowley (211)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: October 7, 1920
Appearances: 242
Goal Ratio: 0.52
Rowley had a longer stint at the top, being the key scorer in Sir Matt Busby’s FA Cup and league-winning teams in 1948 and 1952.
What’s truly remarkable about Jack’s tally of 211 is that most of these goals came after he turned 28, as he missed out on prime playing years due to the Second World War.
His contributions laid the foundation for future goal-scoring successes at Manchester United.
5. Dennis Viollet (179 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: September 20, 1933
Appearances: 292
Goal Ratio: 0.67
Dennis Viollet’s goal-scoring prowess is highlighted by a remarkable goal ratio of 0.67.
He played a key role in United’s potent league attack, contributing to a team that scored over a hundred league goals three times, spanning the period around the Munich Air Disaster.
His impressive record of 32 league goals during the 1959/60 season, earning him the club’s inaugural Golden Boot, remains unmatched. Best later equaled Dennis’s goal tally, albeit in 177 more games.
6. George Best (179 goals)
Nationality: Northern Ireland
Date of Birth: May 22, 1946
Appearances: 470
Goal Ratio: 0.37
The dazzling Northern Irish talent, graced Manchester United with flair and brilliance.
Gorgie made a name for himself as a prolific goal-scorer for United, achieving the impressive milestone of a hundred goals for the club by the tender age of 22, a record that endures.
His standout scoring season was 1967/68, coinciding with the Reds’ triumphant European Cup campaign, where Best notched our second goal in the final.
This particular strike marked his 32nd goal in a truly remarkable campaign, a memory that continues to stir sentimental feelings among seasoned Reds supporters.
7. Joe Spence (168 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: Dec 31, 1966
Appearances: 510
Goal Ratio: 0.44
Spence, a genuine hero for United between the two world wars, may not have as many trophies on his CV as some others on the list.
However, his remarkable record of 168 goals from the outside-right position remained a club record for 19 years until Jack Rowley surpassed it in 1952.
Even after 90 years since his transfer to Bradford City, Spence’s spot in our all-time top 10 goalscorers remains secure.
8. Ryan Giggs (168 goals)
Nationality: Wales
Date of Birth: November 29, 1973
Appearances: 963
Goal Ratio: 0.17
Wales’ wing wizard, Ryan Giggs, left an enduring legacy with the Red Devils.
His longevity, skill, and flair on the ball define an era of Manchester United’s history, making him one of the club’s most beloved players.
Giggs consistently gathered goals rather than being an explosive scorer, a feat made possible by his record-breaking 963 appearances for United.
He scored in all but one of his remarkable 24 seasons as a first-team player.
Notably, he etched his name in history with what is often regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever goals, notably against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay.
9. Mark Hughes (163 goals)
Nationality: Wales
Date of Birth: November 1, 1963
Appearances: 467
Goal Ratio: 0.35
The Welsh striker, epitomized determination and skill.
Having two separate stints with the club, Hughes asserted himself as United’s top scorer in both 1985 and 1986. After a brief sojourn at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he returned in 1988, embarking on a remarkable run of seven consecutive seasons at Old Trafford, consistently hitting double figures in goals.
His scoring prowess was often marked by spectacular goals. Overall, the Welshman concluded six campaigns either as the outright top scorer or sharing the honor, a feat matched only by Rooney.
10. Paul Scholes (155 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: November 16, 1974
Appearances: 718
Goal Ratio: 0.22
The midfield maestro, combined vision and goal-scoring ability.
At the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s championship-winning squads in the 1990s and 2000s, Scholes started his career as a second striker and attacking midfielder, achieving his 100th goal for the club in 2003.
As time progressed, he shifted deeper into midfield, embracing the role of a deep-lying playmaker. Upon his initial retirement in 2011, he shared the 150-goal milestone with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Scholes made a dramatic comeback in January 2012, contributing five more goals and securing the tenth position outright on Manchester United’s historical list of top goalscorers.
11. Ruud van Nistelrooy (150 goals)
Nationality: Netherlands
Date of Birth: July 1, 1976
Appearances: 219
Goal Ratio: 0.68
A prolific force in the United squad, showed his goal-scoring prowess with 150 goals for the club.
His clinical finishing and predatory instincts made him a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s lineup during the early 2000s.
Known for his remarkable ability to find the back of the net, Ruud played a pivotal role in United’s success, contributing significantly to their title-winning campaigns.
His tenure at the club solidified his reputation as one of the premier strikers in the club’s history. Although he left Old Trafford, his impact endures, and his goal-scoring legacy remains a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.
12. Stan Pearson (148 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: Jan 11, 1919
Appearances: 343
Goal Ratio: 0.43
The zenith of Stan’s goal-scoring artistry unfolded across numerous campaigns, showcasing his prowess as he consistently achieved double-digit goal tallies in 12 consecutive seasons.
His remarkable scoring spree reached its pinnacle, amassing 148 goals between 1937-1954
As the curtains closed on his footballing journey, Pearson’s goal count stood at an impressive 148. Each goal represented not just a statistic but a moment of brilliance, a testament to his skill and instinct on the field.
13. David Herd (145 goals)
Nationality: Scotland
Date of Birth: April 15, 1934
Appearances: 265
Goal Ratio: 0.56
Herd, a Scottish forward, played a crucial role in the success of the club in the 1960s.
His goal-scoring prowess was a key factor in United’s achievements, contributing significantly to their domestic and European campaigns.
Herd’s ability to find the back of the net made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset for the team. His goals were not only numerous but also timely, often coming in crucial moments that helped secure victories and titles for Manchester United
13. Cristiano Ronaldo (145 goals)
Nationality: Portugal
Date of Birth: February 5, 1985
Appearances: 346
Goal Ratio: 0.42
Before his move to Al-Nassr FC, he made an unforgettable impact during his tenure with Manchester United.
The Portuguese dynamo, known for his unparalleled athleticism and clinical finishing, left an indelible mark on the club.
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring peak coincided with his initial spell under Sir Alex Ferguson, where his contributions were instrumental in securing three consecutive Premier League titles.
His flair and dedication garnered admiration globally, making him a true icon.
Though Ronaldo’s journey extended beyond Old Trafford, his 145 goals serve as a shred of lasting evidence of his extraordinary goal-scoring prowess and enduring influence on Manchester United’s rich history.
14. Tommy Taylor (131 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: Feb 6, 1958
Appearances: 191
Goal Ratio: 0.68
Taylor stands out as a top goal-scorer who ruled the field with unmatched skill.
Throughout his impactful career, he displayed an exceptional knack for finding the net, totaling an impressive 131 goals. His peak goal-scoring moments were a constant feature, showcasing a rare consistency that defined his playing style.
Every season, Taylor showed his scoring prowess, leaving an unforgettable mark on the beautiful game.
15. Brian McClair (127 goals)
Nationality: Scotland
Date of Birth: December 8, 1963
Appearances: 471
Goal Ratio: 0.26
The Scottish forward, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess, played a crucial part in Sir Alex Ferguson’s rebuilding phase of the team.
McClair’s ability to score crucial goals in important moments endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful. Joining the club in 1987 from Celtic, he quickly became a key figure in the squad, contributing significantly to United’s attacking play.
McClair’s intelligence on the field, combined with his clinical finishing, played a crucial role in the team’s achievements.
During his time at United, McClair won several domestic honors, including the Premier League titles in the early 1990s.
16. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (126 goals)
Nationality: Norway
Date of Birth: February 26, 1973
Appearances: 366
Goal Ratio: 0.36
The Norwegian forward nicknamed the “Baby-faced Assassin,” etched his name in United folklore with his clinical goal-scoring ability and knack for decisive moments.
Solskjaer’s time at Old Trafford, spanning from 1996 to 2007, coincided with one of the most successful periods for the club.
Renowned for his poise in front of goal, he became a super-substitute, often coming off the bench to deliver crucial goals. The highlight of his career came in the 1998-1999 season when his injury-time winner secured the UEFA Champions League trophy for United.
17. Marcus Rashford (125 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: October 31, 1997
Appearances: 379
Goal Ratio: 0.33
The youngest player on this list, Marcus Rashford, has already made a significant impact.
He had established himself as a dynamic and impactful forward for Manchester United, scoring several goals that showed his skill, speed, and versatility on the field.
Rashford’s goal count, which stood at 125 goals as of the time of writing this, is evidence of his key contribution to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Known for his ability to score from various positions and his proficiency in creating goal-scoring opportunities, Rashford has been a key player for the club.
18. Andy Cole (121 goals)
Nationality: England, Jamaica
Date of Birth: October 15, 1971
Appearances: 275
Goal Ratio: 0.44
Joining United in 1995 from Newcastle United, Cole formed a formidable partnership with Dwight Yorke, playing a pivotal role in the team’s treble-winning season in 1998-1999.
Cole’s goal-scoring ability, characterized by clinical finishing and a keen sense of positioning, played a crucial part in securing multiple domestic and international honors for the club.
He was an integral part of the squad that won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League during that historic season. Throughout his time at Old Trafford, Cole’s impact extended beyond goals, as he contributed to the overall attacking prowess of the team.
His speed, technique, and understanding of the game endeared him to the fans, solidifying his place in the pantheon of Manchester United greats.
19. Bryan Robson (92 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: January 11, 1957
Appearances: 410
Goal Ratio: 0.22
The English midfielder, often referred to as “Captain Marvel,” played a central role in United’s fortunes during the 1980s.
Robson’s leadership qualities, combined with his dynamic style of play and goal-scoring ability, made him the heartbeat of the team. Joining from West Bromwich Albion in 1981, he became the club captain and played a huge role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s early years as manager.
Known for his box-to-box move, Robson’s goals were often characterized by powerful drives and a knack for arriving in goal-scoring positions.
His dedication to the club and his never-say-die attitude endeared him to the fans.
Despite facing injury challenges, Robson’s impact was profound, contributing to several FA Cup victories and helping lay the foundation for the club’s subsequent successes.
19. Anthony Martial (90 goals)
Nationality: France, Guadeloupe
Date of Birth: December 5, 1995
Appearances: 317
Goal Ratio: 0.28
Anthony Martial, the talented French forward with Guadeloupean roots known for his flair, skill, and versatility in the attack, has been a significant presence in the team since joining AS Monaco in 2015.
Martial’s goal-scoring ability and ability to create opportunities have made him a key component of Manchester United’s attacking force.
He made an immediate impact in his debut season, earning the prestigious “Golden Boy” award for the best under-21 player in Europe.
Martial has showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a mix of clinical finishing and individual skill, contributing important goals in various competitions.
20. David Beckham (85 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: May 2, 1975
Appearances: 394
Goal Ratio: 0.22
The English midfielder, known for his exceptional skill on the ball and pinpoint accuracy in delivering set-pieces, played a major role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Beckham’s time at Manchester United, spanning from 1992 to 2003, coincided with a remarkable era under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was an integral part of the famous “Class of ’92,” a group of talented young players who rose through the ranks and contributed significantly to the team’s success.
While his goal-scoring record is notable, Beckham’s influence extended to his ability to create scoring opportunities through his precise crosses and dead-ball expertise. His work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the club made him a fan favorite.
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