The club's academy has a long and proud history of success, producing one superstar after another
From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92, it is in Manchester United’s DNA to build from within. Perhaps no major club is more synonymous with developing young talent, with homegrown greats Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs becoming icons of Old Trafford and the game at large.
There are too many to name all at once. The Babes – many of whom tragically perished in the Munich air crash of 1958 – are part of the soul of the club.
Meanwhile, the Class of ’92 are still adding to their legacy as football club owners, prominent television pundits and more.
And in around those more famous eras was a constant flow of talent, making the United production line unique in the game. Below, GOAL picks out the club's greatest academy graduates…
Offside SportsDuncan Edwards
No list could be complete without Edwards.
For those who played with or against him, the consensus is that he may have gone on to be regarded the greatest of all time.
A powerhouse, he was capable of playing almost anywhere and was the crown jewel of Busby's Babes.
Tragically died as a result of his injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesSir Bobby Charlton
One of the greatest players of all time, Charlton won it all.
He was both a United legend, who fired them to European Cup triumph in 1968, and an England great, who led the Three Lions to World Cup glory two years earlier.
Only Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane have scored more goals for England – and only Ryan Giggs has played more games for United.
Won the Ballon d'Or in 1966.
GettyNobby Stiles
Another United and England legend, who starred in the '66 World Cup triumph.
Despite his diminutive stature, Stiles was as hard as they come. His shepherding of Portugal icon Eusebio, in both the World Cup and then again in the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica was a masterclass in the art of marking.
Getty ImagesGeorge Best
The most famous footballer of his generation, whose legend lives on to this day.
Best would leave defenders with twisted blood and was a marketer's dream, with pop-star good looks and a rock-n-roll lifestyle.
His was a star that burned bright and faded far too soon as his alcohol addiction caught up with him.
At his peark, he was the poster boy of Busby's last great United team. He won the European Cup but should have gone on to achieve so much more.