Manchester United's 2011 FA Youth Cup winners: Where are they now? | VAVEL.com Manchester United's 2011 FA Youth Cup winners: Where are they now? 15-01-2015 Manchester United last won the FA Youth Cup back in 2011, beating Sheffield United 6-3 on aggregate. But what has become of the cup-winning side four years later? Google Plus Manchester United's 2011 FA Youth Cup winners: Where are they now? Following their promising 3-0 victory over Hull City, Manchester United Under-18’s have been praised by manager Warren Joyce. Now preparing for their fifth round clash with either Tottenham Hotpsur or Wolverhampton Wanderers, the players will be considering the possibility of reaching the grand stage and final of the competition. The Red Devils last won the competition back in 2011, overcoming Sheffield United across two legs. A 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane saw the Reds take the lead twice, with Jesse Lingard opening the scoring before Will Keane thought he had won the first leg.

Nevertheless, welcoming the Blades to Old Trafford saw braces from Ravel Morrison and Keane cruise a 4-1 victory; winning 6-3 on aggregate to lift the silverware. Many of the players were tipped for success following their triumphs, but where are they now?

First Leg: Sam Johnstone, Michael Keane, Sean McGinty, Tom Thorpe ©, Michele Fornaiser, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Will Keane, Ravel Morrison, Gyliano van Velzen Subs: John Cofie, Alberto Massacci, Joe Coll, Zeki Fryers, Tom Lawrence Second Leg: Sam Johnstone, Michael Keane, Sean McGinty, Tom Thorpe ©, Michele Fornaiser, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Will Keane, Ravel Morrison, Gyliano van Velzen Subs: John Cofie, Alberto Massacci, Joe Coll, Tyler Blackett, Larnell Cole Sam Johnstone Following loan spells with Scunthorpe United, Walsall and Yeovil Town; Johnstone has struggled to make it into the first team, and is yet to make a competitive first team appearance. Nevertheless, a successful loan spell with Doncaster Rovers saw the 21-year-old handed a wealth of experience and opportunities making 36 appearances after a loan extension.

Having impressed in League One, Johnstone recently made the switch to Preston North End on loan, a former club of his father, and the home town of the side. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper remains ambitious of staying at Manchester United, believing his future remains at Old Trafford. Michael Keane The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell with Leicester City during the 2012/13 season, and later featured temporarily for Derby County and Blackburn Rovers. Making his debut for the Red Devils in the League Cup in September 2012, Keane also won the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year the same season with 60% of all votes. He then made his first league appearance in August 2014 in replacement for Chris Smalling, but made a switch to Burnley on loan until January a week later. Impressing the Burnley management, the loan was made permanent in January 2015 for an estimated £2 million fee. Sean McGinty English-born Irishman McGinty put pen-to-paper soon after FA Youth Cup success, but signed for League Two side Morecambe in early 2012.

However, his loan spell was ended prematurely by a dislocated shoulder as he returned to Old Trafford for treatment. Later joining Oxford United on loan in August 2012, he lasted just a month before being recalled by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Joining Carlisle United after a few months in the youth set-up, he saw his loan extended before being shipped out to Tranmere Rovers on an emergency loan. Soon returning once again due to a breach of discipline, he became the last player to have his contract terminated by Ferguson. Upon his release he signed for Sheffield United, but failed to break into the squad after failed loans with Northampton Town and Rochdale. Making the permanent switch to Rochdale soon after, he currently features on loan for FC Halifax Town. Tom Thorpe Captaining the side across the two legs, Thorpe remained with the reserves for some time while securing the league title the following season. After a number of injury woes, Thorpe took over as captain permanently for the reserves during the 2012/13 season and once again secured league success in the inaugural Under-21 Premier League campaign.

He later joined Birmingham City alongside Tyler Blackett and Federico Macheda, but was stretchered off 14 minutes into his debut with ligament damage and later saw his loan terminated. Thorpe remains at United hopeful of breaking into the first team, having been named in the squad for a Premier League match against West Ham in late September and making his debut in added-time replacing Angel Di Maria. Michele Fornaiser After lifting the FA Youth Cup, Fornaiser featured twice in the Dallas Cup for the Reds. However, the 22-year-old failed to be handed a professional contract, and left the club in June 2013 without featuring for the first-team. He then returned to his native Italy and signed with Sampdoria in July 2013. Having represented Italy at Under-16 and Under-19 levels, he made his professional debut in December in a 4-1 home. He later made his Serie A debut in February 2014, and made 10 first-team appearances in his first season for the club, where he remains.

Ryan Tunnicliffe An influential figure the club’s cup success, Tunnicliffe was named as the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year later that season. He soon headed off on a six-month loan to Peterborough United alongside teammate Scott Wootton, and featured regularly through the season for Darren Ferguson’s side. Upon his return to Old Trafford he remained with the reserves, scoring his first goal against Chelsea while winning two trophies. Making his senior debut in September 2012, he replaced Marnick Vermijl to infamously win his father a bet he made ten years earlier, returning £10,000. However, he was soon sent out on loan again, joining Barnsley in a short-term loan deal, before later joining Ipswich Town. Despite interest in extending his loan deal under Mick McCarthy, he returned to United in January 2014 before making a permanent departure. Having made two first team appearances, he joined Fulham for an undisclosed fee alongside Larnell Cole. Reunited with former coach Rene Meulensteen, his made his debut against Manchester United just nine days later.

However, with Meulensteen’s sacking he was deemed surplus to requirements, and headed off to Wigan Athletic on loan. It was reported in April that manager Uwe Rosler attempted to terminate the loan, but Fulham refused to take the player back, before joining Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan. Recalled early in January, he now continues a battle to return to the first-team at Fulham. Jesse Lingard Lingard signed professional terms with the club in the summer after securing cup dominance, but was later loaned to Leicester City for a month alongside Michael Keane in November 2012. Following his return, Lingard was selected in the 19-man squad for the 2013 pre-season tour. Scoring twice in a 5-1 victory over the A-League All Stars, the first of which was the club’s first goal under new manager David Moyes, he added another two to finish as the tour’s top scorer in as many games. Despite hoping he could now break into the first-team, he joined Birmingham City on a one-month loan. He opened the scoring just 20 minutes into his professional debut.

His loan was later extended, but returned to feature on the bench for the first-team in January 2014. He then joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a 93-day loan, and featured 16 times, which included the Championship play-offs. Featuring in the United first team once again upon his return, he scored against Liverpool in the International Champion Cup Final before making his competitive debut on the opening game of the season. He now hopes to return to the first-team after a number of injuries. Paul Pogba 22-time internationally capped Pogba made his professional debut in September 2011 against Leeds United in the League Cup, before making his second appearance in the following round against Aldershot Town. Later making his Premier League debut against Stoke City in January 2012, Ferguson later confirmed Pogba had failed to sign a new contract and left the club. He stated that Pogba had signed for Italian club Juventus, and also accused him of disrespecting the club.

Making his debut for the club against Chievo in September 2012, featuring for the full 90 minutes, Pogba developed to become a key figure in the Serie A champions’ set-up. Named 2013's Golden Boy for the best young player in Europe, Pogba has gone on to make almost 100 appearances for Juventus, while also featuring at the 2014 World Cup. Scoring in the Round of 16, he was also named as the tournament’s Best Young Player. Pogba has lifted the Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana twice, while also winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2013, where he won the Golden Ball award. Will Keane Prolific striker Keane remains with the Red Devils; having been with the Manchester club since the age of 11. Scoring eight games in six games during the FA Youth Cup campaign, he was ever-present for the reserves in the 2011/12 season, scoring 14 times in 22 league appearances, as well as four more in seven cup appearances.

Keane made his senior debut in December 2011 in the Premier League, before a knee ligament injury suffered with the England Under-19 squad ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Continuning his goalscoring feats in the reserves, he soon joined Nick Powell on a one-month loan to Wigan Athletic in November 2013. Failing to find the net in four appearances, he returned early due to injury. Once fit, he switched to Queens Park Rangers for the remainder of the season, and now battles for promotion to the senior ranks at Old Trafford. Ravel Morrison The ‘football bad boy’ made his senior debut against Aldershot Town a few months after scoring twice in the second-leg of the final, and later came off the bench to feature in a League Cup fifth round defeat to Crystal Palace. United confirmed they rejected an offer for the midfielder in January 2012, but with his contract due to expire in June, signed for West Ham United on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee. A clause within his contract ensured Manchester United received £25,000 for every game he played, but he soon joined Birmingham City on loan for the season.

Featuring regularly, Morrison impressed before returned to West Ham for the 2013/14 season. Scoring on his full debut, he later left for Queens Park Rangers on loan. Playing against Birmingham City he scored both goals in a 2-0 win, while winning the 2014 Championship play-off final. Sam Allardyce later praised the Englishman, but was disappointed with his discipline and attitude towards football and life in general. He then made a three-month switch to Cardiff City, and returned as manager Russell Slade said he had no future at the club after just seven appearances. Gyliano van Velzen Signing a professional contract with the club in August 2012, van Velzen was almost immediately loaned to Royal Antwerp. Scoring once in 12 appearances, he returned to Old Trafford in January 2013 but failed to break through to the first team. As a result, the Netherlands Under-15, Under-16 and Under-19 international was released in the summer of 2013, before signing a deal with Dutch club FC Utrecht for three years.

Making his debut against Ajax in a 3-0 defeat, van Velzen now struggles to feature regularly for Rolf Alflen’s side. John Cofie Despite having signed professional terms with the club in 2010, Cofie remained in the youth set-up before being loaned to Belgian club Royal Antwerp in an attempt to gain first-team experience. The following summer, he secured a one-year loan to Sheffield United for the 2012/13 season, and scored his first goal for the club a week into his career with the League One outfit. However, it was revealed he returned to Manchester United in January 2013 despite a desire to see out the season with the Blades. In February 2013 he joined fellow League One side Notts County on a 28-day loan, and scored on his debut. Nevertheless, his deal was not extended and he returned having made seven appearances. Still failing to make the first team, he was released at the end of the season. He then signed a one-year deal with Championship side Burnley in July 2013, but failed to feature before his release a year later.

He then signed a contract with Tippeligaen side Molde FK where he remains since August 2014. Alberto Massacci Italian right-back was hindered considerably by injuries during his time with the club, and despite promotion from the Under-18’s to the Under-21’s in July 2011, he departed a season later aged 18. Joining Modena FC back in Italy, he featured 15 times for the Serie B side before joining Latina Calcio on a season-loan long. Departing in August 2013, he remained with the club for the season before returning in June 2014. Despite the possibility of game time for Modena, he then left temporarily on loan to fourth-tier club S.E.F. Torres 1903 where he remains, a former club of Australian international Adam Federici. Joe Coll The goalkeeper spent two seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, having made the decision himself to leave the Manchester club. Playing regularly in his first season, he decided to look elsewhere after minimal game time. With club officials suggesting he may get even less opportunities in the following season, he left England to join a number of local sides.

Competing in the FIFAPro Winter Tournament in January 2014, a showcase for unemployed footballers, Manchester United's Joe Corcoran got the keeper involved as a last minute replacement. He now features for the Under-21 side of his local club in Donegal. Zeki Fryers Despite the full-back being tipped as one of the club’s hottest prospects, Fryer only managed a handful of appearances for the first team. Making his debut in the League Cup in September 2011, he didn’t get his first league opportunity until December 2011. Showing ambition to break into the first team permanently, it was believed he would leave alongside Ravel Morrison at the end of the 2011/12 season. However, the defender spent the summer training with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a proposed transfer, the complication being a disagreement on a compensation package. However, Belgian club Standard Liege – who also expressed an interest – would now have to pay a compensation fee due to alternative ruling, which allowed Fryers to sign a two-year control in August 2012.

Featuring seven times for Standard, the sacking of Ron Jans in November left the defender out-of-favour with the new manager and he finally made the switch to Tottenham Hotspur. While Ferguson accused Tottenham of a “blatant manipulation” of the rules, he made his way into the development squad at White Hart Lane. Appearing during the Asia Cup, he struggled to once again make the first-time, and sealed a three-year deal with Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee in September 2014, where he has managed just three minutes of league action and one cup appearance all season. Tom Lawrence The attacking midfielder signed professional terms with the club in July 2012, but struggled to make the step up on a permanent basis due to competition. As a result, he remained in the reserve set-up where he scored four goals in 20 appearances for the Red Devils, as well as an assist which led to Larnell Cole's 88th-minute winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Under-21 Premier League. He was then shipped out on loan alongside Ben Amos, scheduled for one month.

However, average performances did little to impress, and he soon returned before a move was made to Yeovil Town. This time earning a three-month loan, he featured 19 times while scoring twice as the club faced relegation. Upon his return to Old Trafford he was handed his United debut by interim player-manager Ryan Giggs, starting in a 3–1 home Premier League win against Hull City, replacing Giggs himself. Despite looking likely to breakthrough to the first-team, he joined recently promoted Leicester City in early September 2014 for an undisclosed see. Signing a four-year contract, he was loaned to Rotherham United for one month before making an appearance. Scoring one goal in six games, he returned to make his Leicester debut in January 2015. Tyler Blackett Handed a professional contract in July 2012, Blackett featured occasionally for the youth set-up before joining Championship club Blackpool on loan in November 2013. Making his debut the next day, his loan was soon extended for a further month as he enjoyed his spell.

He then joined Birmingham City for the remainder of the season in January 2014, and started the next day’s match once again alongside Tom Thorpe. Conceding a penalty after 38 minutes, he made 8 appearances in total for the Blues. He then earned a call-up to the first team squad under Louis van Gaal as a result of a lack of depth during pre-season. Featuring as a centre-back, his performances earned him considerable praise from van Gaal. With the ongoing injury crisis and departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic plaguing the Red Devils, Blackett was drafted into the first team on a permanent basis. Making his competitive debut on the opening day of the season, Blackett later saw red against Leicester City during a 5-3 defeat, but remains in the squad regularly. Larnell Cole The midfielder made his professional debut for United soon after the cup success, featuring in a League Cup victory over Leeds United in September 2011. Struggling to remain in the first-team, he struck a hattrick past Liverpool in the semi-final of the Under-21 Premier League in May 2013 to prove his worth to Ferguson.

He then added a further two goals to his tally against Tottenham Hotspur in the final as they clinched a 3-2 victory. However, in January 2014 he departed to join Fulham for an undisclosed fee, joining former United coach Rene Meulensteen alongside Ryan Tunnicliffe. Like Tunnicliffe, Cole was deemed surplus to reqirements with the introduction of Felix Magath, and Cole was soon loaned to Milton Keynes Dons for the remainder of the season as a result. In an identical position to Tunnicliffe, he also remains fighting for a place in the Fulham set-up. Nemanja Vidic :: Football News :: Live Soccer TV Man United legend plays down the team's chances of winning EPL title. Monday, Jan 16 2017 Former center back Nemanja Vidic remains hopeful of a Top 3 finish for the Red Devils, if some players can contribute what's expected from them. After a slow start of the season, there seems to be no hope for Manchester United to fight for the English Premier League title. At least that's what former center back Nemanja Vidic thinks. In an interview with ESPN, the Serbian defender believes...

Palermo vs Inter Milan live streaming info, TV listings - Oct 24, 2015 Friday, Oct 23 2015 Italian Serie A giants Inter Milan face Palermo on Saturday at the Stadio Renzo, a venue where Roberto Mancini’s men have not won a match since 2010. With the expected home opposition from Palermo, Inter Milan will be have to put up a strong show away from home to stay firmly in the race for the Serie A title. Palermo will be encouraged by the fact that their opponents have won four games with a 1-0... Tuesday, Aug 30 2011 Wesley Sneijder believes his dream of joining Manchester United from Internazionale this summer is dead and buried. “I'm staying at Inter. I don't think I'll leave at this moment of market,” said the Dutch playmaker on Tuesday to reporters. “Manchester United? Anything is possible in football, but I don't think this time something will happen. “I know...

EPL champions Manchester United in Ferdinand, Rafael & Vidic injury blow Monday, Aug 15 2011 The good news for Manchester United last weekend is that they became the only Big 4 team to win 3 points on Match-day 1 of the EPL. The bad news is that they’ve been rocked with injury woes. Brazilian defender Rafael da Silva has been ruled out of action for no less than 10 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. This piece of info means that the youngster will have to wait until October to make his 74th appearance for Manchester United in all... Barca-United Final: Predicting The Line-Up Of Sir Alex's Men Wednesday, May 18 2011 Predicting a team's line-up may be easy at times but when they go against Barcelona, the whole mentality of team selection is brought to a new dimension. Live Soccer TV previews. Cristiano Ronaldo was always regarded as a winger during his time at Old Trafford. Not to say that he can't fit into the centre forward position but his best years at United saw him freely roaming and switching flanks as a genuine out and out winger...

Manchester United FC vs Schalke 04 Preview Wednesday, May 4 2011 Manchester United will be defending a 2-0 aggregate lead when they play host to Schalke 04 in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney scored for United during the first leg in Germany, and the 2-0 deficit means Schalke have huge task on their hands to advance after the Old Trafford second leg. United have a potentially Premier League deciding clash... PFA Award Nomination: A Closer Look At The Seven-Man Shortlist Friday, Apr 8 2011 Seven players have been nominated for the PFA Player of The Year award based on their performances in the Premier League this season. Live Soccer TV provides a closer look at those seven individuals. It has been grandiloquent season of football in the English Premier League as talented athletes from the best teams in England provided first class entertainment to millions of global fans worldwide. Teams like Blackpool and Bolton have impressed...

Chelsea Vs Manchester United: 5 Players Who Could Make A Difference For The Devils Monday, Apr 4 2011 As we prepare for a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at the Bridge, Live Soccer TV previews the five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils. Manchester United head into this fixture with a totally different motive than what Chelsea occupy. For United, it's a chance to prove their credentials all over again after being dumped out of the competition at this exact stage last season. The... Estonia Vs Serbia: Nemanja Vidic Set To Make Comeback Tuesday, Mar 29 2011 Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic is set to feature against Estonia after making a swift return from a calf injury sustained a fortnight ago. Serbia manager Vladimir Petrovic has revealed that Nemanja Vidic is ready to start his first game since injuring his calf two weeks ago when they take on Serbia tonight. Vidic injured himself while playing for Manchester United and has unexpectedly made...

Manchester United Vs Marseille: 'Confident' Giggs Looking To Show 'Class' Against Marseille Tuesday, Mar 15 2011 Confidence looks to be high at Old Trafford after their triumph over Arsenal and Ryan Giggs has delivered a bad news to Didier Deschamps's men: ' We will show our class' Manchester United only managed a goalless draw against French champion in the first leg which at the State Velodrome- a result that even left Dir Alex Ferguson admitting that it was a dangerous one. Then came the pile of gigantic fixtures that saw United... How Manchester United Suffocated Arsenal As They Marched Into The FA Cup Semi Finals Sunday, Mar 13 2011 It was supposed to be the battle of two 'wounded' giants but Sir Alex Ferguson changed the whole dynamics of the game with some spellbinding tactics that literally won them the game. After losing to Liverpool and Chelsea, it was an important clash for United as they looked to bounce back. However, the whole clash was a lot more important for Arsenal, who have seen themselves lose out in two competitions over the space of two weeks...

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Steven Gerrard Out Due To Groin Injury Sunday, Mar 6 2011 Only hours are remaining now for the Liverpool vs Manchester United match, but Captain Steven Gerrard’s excitement might not be at its top level, as he has been ruled out following an injury. Gerrard reportedly suffered a recurrence of a groin injury on Saturday, which dramatically lowered his chances of leading his side at Anfield against Manchester United today. His presence would have obviously served as a big advantage for Liverpool, who... Chelsea Vs Manchester United: I Am Not Scared Of Facing Torres - Vidic Tuesday, Mar 1 2011 Nemanja Vidic insists that he has no problem with the prospect of facing Chelsea's new striker Fernando Torres as the Red Devils prepare to take on Chelsea tonight. Fernando Torres has previously caused troubles on numerous occasions for the Serbian while playing for Liverpool. However, with the Spaniard set to face United for the first time since his big money move to Chelsea, Nemanja Vidic insisted that he has... Stay informed with our weekly list of live match TV schedules. Plan your week ahead and don't miss a game of your favorite team!

100% spam free, published once a week (Thursday or Friday). Upcoming Top Matches » Manchester United: 10 Greatest Red Devils Captains Ever | Bleacher Report Manchester United: 10 Greatest Red Devils Captains Ever Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow Clive Rose/Getty Images 5 Comments Manchester United 's Nemanja Vidic may become one of their greatest captains ever—but not yet. Similarly, great characters from the past may have been as great in their way as some who are selected here, but it is hard to compare their relative merits other than on historic achievements. Harry Stafford was great for United. He was the first ever captain and held the honour for seven years, until he retired in 1903. He also found John Henry Davies, the first benefactor of the club, who saved it from bankruptcy. Newton Heath in green and gold became Manchester United, and the legend of the Reds was born. Charlie Roberts was captain for eight years, during which he won two league titles. Not until 1983 did another Englishman, Bryan Robson, captain the side to FA Cup success as he did in 1909.

He played a total of 299 matches, scoring 23 goals. He was also a founder of the Players Union and was capped three times for England. Jack Silcock captained United during two periods, from 1930-1931 and 1932-1934. He played 423 times for the club and three times for England. Bill McKay was a Scot who also captained United for two spells, from 1934-35 and 1939-40. His career was then disrupted by the war, and he guested for other clubs before leaving Manchester at the age of 40. Bill Foulkes holds the third highest number of appearances for the club at 683. He was captain in 1958/9 in the immediate aftermath of the air crash, but for years, was unable to come to terms with the tragedy, so it was no surprise that Dennis Violet took over. Bill went on to become unarguably one of the greatest United players ever, including winning the European Cup in 1968. Manchester United has a great tradition and history built on such great players as these.

For our selection of the greatest captains, we start in the Matt Busby era with the first Irishman to achieve success and two of the legendary trio of Best, Charlton and Law. Tweet On 21 September 1949, Johnny Carey captained the FA of Ireland when they inflicted England's first ever home defeat by a non-UK side against one of the greatest sides in the world at the time. Even without Lawton and Matthews. This was no mean feat. It was also not unusual for Carey to inspire teams at all levels, both as a captain and a player. He was an extraordinary sportsman, having played both soccer and Gaelic football as a young man. He also captained Europe against Great Britain in 1947—a huge honour at the time. For United, he was the then John O' Shea, playing in no less than nine different positions, including goalkeeper, although he was most commonly found at inside forward or full back. In a career spanning 17 years, he played 344 games for United, scoring 18 goals.

His career was also punctuated by the Second World War; otherwise, he could have topped 500 appearances for the Reds and well over 50 caps for the various Irish international teams. While it is difficult to compare those years with the stellar recent times at Old Trafford, the achievements especially post-war, and under Sir Matt Busby, provided the platform and the style patterns for the modern day United. Carey was first appointed captain by Sir Matt in 1946 and remained such until he retired in 1953. He first signed as an 18-year-old and helped United win the Second Division title in 1936/7, returning to the top flight after "yo-yoing" between the two divisions for 45 years. They then remained in the First Division for the next 37 years, including Carey for almost half that period. As captain, he led the team to second place four consecutive seasons before they won the title for the first time in 41 years and only the third time in history. During this period, he also lifted the FA Cup in 1948 and the Charity Shield in 1952.

Following his retirement, United wanted him to stay on the coaching staff, but he went to Blackburn Rovers to commence a successful 18-year managerial career, including guiding both Everton and Forest to second place. He lived long enough to see Sir Alex win the European Cup Winners Cup and United's first ever "Double" before dying in 1995. Tweet Although Denis Law was co-captain with Noel Cantwell from 1964 to 1967, he led the team on his own until Sir Bobby Charlton took over for the European Cup Final in 1968, which Denis was forced to miss due to a knee injury. Denis was a natural leader who also led the most famous forward line United ever had, along with Charlton and Best. All three of them won the European Player of the Year. "The King" scored goals for fun. Very few players in history have emulated his scoring ratio. In all, he played 404 times for Manchester United, scoring no less than 234 times, at .58 goals per game. Who knows how many more goals he would have scored and appearances made if he hadn't had a progressive knee injury, which remained untreated for years.

Nowadays, cartilage trouble can be treated by keyhole surgery in a day, but Denis had to play in pain or with injections for almost eight years. Maybe the greatest pain he suffered personally was when he back-heeled the goal for Manchester City that sent United down to the Second Division in 1974: "I was inconsolable. I didn’t want it to happen. How long did the feeling last? How long ago was the game? Thirty-odd years." But the fans could forgive him almost anything. Thirty years on, he remains one of the greatest heroes at Old Trafford despite playing in two periods for United's cross City rivals. Tweet Sir Bobby Charlton captained Manchester United from 1968 to 1973. This video finishes with one of the two greatest moments of his career: lifting the European Cup trophy. This could only be matched by his winning the World Cup two years earlier. There isn't enough space to describe every aspect and detail of such a stellar career for one of the five greatest players ever to pull on the red shirt. It is in some ways unfortunate that his period as captain was one of relative mediocrity for the Reds, battling against relegation rather than winning trophies.

But who is to say what would have happened without him? In a career spanning 18 years, he is one of the greatest "one club" men ever, playing 758 times for United, scoring 249 goals—still a record at Old Trafford. He also had 106 caps for England during this period, scoring 49 goals and captaining them three times. And yet, things could have been so very different. He was one of the original Busby Babes and, by a miracle, survived the Munich disaster, after which he contemplated giving up the game. Luckily, he didn't, and Sir Matt went on to rebuild the team around him, changing history in the process. In many ways, Sir Bobby is the keeper of the United tradition, sitting on the Board of Directors and acting as a universal ambassador of the club. At the age of 73, he remains one of the most recognised and revered figures in world football. Tweet For many people who supported Manchester United through the transitional years after the 1968 European Cup win, Martin Buchan was one of the all-time heroes.

He was arguably United's most influential player during the 10 years or so that he played for the club, a classy central defender who was the first man to captain both English and Scottish Cup Finals. The period during which he was captain was one of the most difficult in United's history, with a succession of managers and lost direction. He is revered for that alone. He experienced relegation almost as soon as he joined the club, but decided to stay and was influential in their return to the top flight. Under his leadership, United reached a total of three FA Cup Finals, winning in 1977. In total, he played 456 times with four goals, including the spectacular long range blast in the clip above. He played 34 times for Scotland, including the World Cup Finals on two occasions, also captaining his country. Roger Byrne: Fallen Hero Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Several of the Busby Babes were legendary. To captain the pre-Munich team, you would have to be someone special. That man was Roger Byrne. On the team were Duncan Edwards, Bobby Charlton, Tommy Taylor and Harry Gregg, who were among the greatest heroes ever for Manchester United.

Roger was not a classy player, but, like Nobby Stiles a decade or so later, he had a phenomenal work ethic. He almost invented the attacking full back role before Sir Alf Ramsey popularised it. He was, however, hugely charismatic, very popular with the fans and an inspirational leader. So no surprise that Sir Matt Busby appointed him to succeed Allenby Chilton as captain in 1955. He is unarguably one of the greatest captains ever and, having played in the title winning United side of 1952, he led them to two further titles and an FA Cup Final in 1957. There is no knowing what he would have achieved if he had survived Munich. A one club man, as well as playing 245 times for United and scoring 17 goals, he also had an unbroken record of 33 games for England from his debut in 1954 until 1957the only man to do so. He is in the middle of the Busby Babes Memorial photo above. Tweet Captain Marvel or Captain Courageous, Bryan Robson was the greatest and the longest serving Manchester United captain ever.

Some will remember him for his goals, some for his tackling, others for his courage despite injury and most for all of these and more. He ranks third to only Bobby Moore and Billy Wright as captain of England, playing 90 times with 65 as captain. He joined Manchester United in 1981 for a then record fee of £1.5 million. The following season he became captain and remained so for the rest of his 13 year career at Old Trafford, sharing the role with Steve Bruce for the last two years. In all, he played 466 times for United, scoring 99 goals, and is also regarded as one of their best players ever. Like Roy Keane later, Robbo always led from the front. His finest moment may well have been the 1984/5 FA Cup Final, where he scored two goals, declining the chance to take a penalty to make him the first hat-trick Finalist in 30 years when Arnold Muhren made it 4-0. He was, however, only the second Englishman to lift the trophy for United. He went on to collect the trophy a total of three times.

Most important, he led United to their first two Premier League titles in 1993 and 1994, returning them to the summit of football for the first time in 26 years. It is greatly to his credit that Bryan straddled the period from the doldrums through to Sir Alex's era, during which he was central to the building of a second dynasty that survives to this day. While the above video captures many of his best goals, nothing can capture the enormity of his service to the club as player, captain and now ambassador and the number of times he literally put his body on the line in the cause of success. Steve Bruce: Greatest Player England Never Had Shaun Botterill/Getty Images My father supported Gillingham, so I watched Steve Bruce build a career as a young man at Priestfield Stadium, first as player and then as captain. He is undoubtedly the best to ever play for the Gills. Many think he is also the best player never to play for England.

When you look at what Brucie has achieved in the game, and especially his legendary partnership with Gary Pallister, it seems extraordinary that they weren't first choice for their country for years, Pally was born in Kent, and the younger man will almost certainly have watched Steve at the Gills before he commenced his own professional career. Towards the end of his career at United, Bryan Robson missed more and more games through injury. During this period, Steve captained the side. He always led like a captain anyway—fearless in defence and attack, scoring a total of 36 goals in his 309 appearances for the club. None was more important than the two which beat Sheffield Wednesday to win United the inaugural Premier League title in 1992/3. If anything was destined to make Bruce a legend, that was. After Robson left, Bruce retained the captaincy for a further two years. During the four that he was captain or co-captain, United won three League titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup. They were winners or runners-up in the top division for every one of those years. Tweet How do you sum up someone as complex as Roy Keane?

He could do almost anything on a football pitch and played with a fierce Irish passion. He did some bad things: the Alf-Inge Haaland tackle and the odd stamp, lashing out at Shearer, being sacked from the Irish World Cup squad. But when he was on your side, he didn't know the meaning of defeat. He would drive the team to impossible heights, like coming back from the dead against Juventus . He scored so many crucial goals—against Manchester City, for example—and made many, many, vital and even crunching tackles. And for eight years, he was the most successful Manchester United captain ever. He played for two of the most successful, committed and contentious British managers in history, Brian Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson, but was on the verge of joining another, Kenny Dalglish, at Blackburn Rovers before Fergie hijacked the deal, paying a record British fee for him. Roy was schooled in "get, give, move," which was Shankly's mantra at Liverpool and which worked well for him at every club he played. Roy's moves so often left him in an outstanding position, such as scoring a goal coming from midfield at the last minute.

Despite United having an established partnership in midfield with Paul Ince and Brian McClair, Keane quickly broke into the team and scored on his home debut. He then became a firm fans' favourite by scoring the winner in the Manchester derby. In his first season, United won the Double. He went on to win 17 major trophies, including three Doubles. During his tenure as captain, United won four League titles, two FA Cups and of course, the Champions League (although he was suspended for the Final thanks to his heroic self-sacrifice against Juventus). He has the 11th highest number of appearances, with 480, and scored 51 goals. King Eric Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Eric Cantona has been voted the greatest player ever at United, and he is certainly the most infamous. How do you find words to capture everything he brought to the club? Despite being convicted of assault and depriving the club of his services for months, he is even fondly remembered for his "kung fu" kick on a Crystal Palace "fan." His skills were sublime, he was a great goalscorer, wore the red shirt with passion and led from the front.

People were stunned beyond belief when he was snatched from Leeds United in 1992. He was a steal at £1.2m, probably the best piece of business Sir Alex ever did. In his five-year stint, he won the hearts and minds of every United fan, played 185 times and scored 82 goals. He was appointed captain for 1996/7, following Steve Bruce's departure. Although he won the league title, he immediately and suddenly retired at the end of that season, leaving a lasting legacy of affection. While only captain for one year, he makes our list for everything else he brought to United: usually special. Tweet This video sums up Gary Neville 's undying passion for Manchester United that he brought to the club for almost 20 years as a professional and six as captain. He ranks fifth in the all-time appearance list for the club with 602, scoring seven goals in the process, almost all of which were memorable. He was one of Fergie's Fledglings and like Paul Scholes, who also retired last year, he is a 'one club man'. He has now joined the club's coaching group and is a presenter on Sky Sports.

One of his greatest contributions as captain has been in the Champions League, where as a United player, he has 117 appearances. Very few players can match that. Finally, he has 85 caps for England.

Question: In 2011 who became the first Manchester United FC captain from Eastern Europe?
Answer: Nemanja Vidic