 THE CAPTAINCY - THE GREATEST CAPTAINS IN UNITED’S HISTORY

The Captaincy

The greatest captains in United’s history

by Kenneth Abela

Talismanic and legendary leaders have worn the armband at Manchester United over the years. But it is not just about their leadership qualities. The skippers are expected to inspire not just the team but also the fans.

Bryan ‘Captain Marvel’ Robson (1980 – 1996) On the 22nd March 1980, Sir Matt Busby resigned from the Manchester United Board of Directors and was appointed to the vacant post of President. Busby had become more and more disillusioned on the way the Club was being run. United were then going all out to sign Bryan Robson from West Brom. Sir Matt did not believe that any player was worth a million pounds, a British Record Transfer Fee at that time. United went ahead and broke the bank and Ron Atkinson proceeded to hand Bryan the captain’s armband. United soon started to reap the dividends. Subsequently Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged his worth when Captain Marvel helped the Scottish Manager to his first silverware, the 1990 FA Cup. When the Premiership era kicked off, Bryan Robson still held the captain’s armband, but with his qualities on the wane, Steve Bruce would be given the armband when Bryan was benched. Robson played 466 times for United and scored 99 goals. He is widely regarded as Manchester United’s best ever captain, with drive and passion for the club’s success. He was skipper for 12 years, sharing the last 2 years with Steve Bruce. Steve ‘Brucie’ Bruce (1992 – 1996) So from 1992, Brucie started as co-captain with Bryan. Steve Bruce’s most iconic moment has to be his brace in added time against Sheffield Wednesday that was then followed with leaps of joy all round as United won the inaugural Premier League title in 1992 – 1993 . Bruce was good in the air, a brilliant tackler and formed one half of arguably United’s most celebrated centre-back pairing alongside Gary Pallister—known as Dolly and Daisy. Brucie took over from Robson as skipper and captained the side to the historic “double double” of Premier League and FA Cup victories in 1993-1994 and 1995-1996. He made 414 appearances for the club.

Eric ‘The King’ Cantona (1996‑1997) The King’s arrival had been the catalyst for the Red Devil’s emergence as England’s finest side. The Frenchman was the first appointed United skipper who was not from the British Isles. Sir Alex built his team around Cantona and on most occasions he delivered. At just 30 years of age he surprisingly retired, having made 185 appearances for the Reds and scoring 82 goals. Most infamously remembered for his Kung Fu flying kick on a fan. It was January 25, 1995, when Eric Cantona flung himself into the stands at Selhurst Park, flying legs first into Matthew Simmons, a Crystal Palace fan. The supporter had been sending abuse the way of the Frenchman, and Cantona wasn’t the type to stand back and take it, leading to 150 community hours, apart from an 8-month suspension from football until his well-remembered return against Liverpool. Roy Keane (1997 – 2005) Roy took up the armband after Cantona. Keane played 480 games for United and scored 51 goals. The central midfielder was known for his high work rate, late runs in to the box and perfectly time tackles. Loved by fans after having scored in the 1993 – 1994 Manchester Derby to win the game for United, United having been two down (with Cantona having first scored two second half goals to equalize). During his stint as captain, United won no less than four league titles, two FA cups and the 1999 Champions League, Roy having though missed the latter’s Final through suspension, together with Paul Scholes. He expected nothing less that the highest standards and his intimidating aura improved the levels of those around him. Keane’s infamous temper would often get him on the wrong side of the law on the pitch. For what is claimed to be one of the most horrific tackles in Premier League history, Keane received a 5,000 GBP fine and 3-match suspension and missed most of the 1997-1998 campaign following that tackle on Alfie Haaland that ended the latter’s career.

Gary Neville (2005‑2011) A great friend of the Malta Manchester United Supporters’ Club, Gary belonged to the class of ’92 batch. He was a one-club player and made 602 appearances for United in almost 20 years, with six as a captain. His first trophy as a captain was the 2006 League Cup but the most cherished moment must be the skipper’s UEFA Champions League win in 2008 in Moscow versus Chelsea.

Nemaja Vidic (2011 – 2014) The Serbian defender was a well respected figure and chosen by Fergie as the successor to Gary Neville. His partnership in defence with Rio Ferdinand is also one of the best United have ever had. The 19th and 20th League title were won under his captaincy. Nemanja moved to Inter Milan on a free transfer when his contact ended.

Wayne Rooney (2014 – 2017) Louis Van Gaal took over the reins at United when Sir Alex called it a day. The new boss gave the armband to Rooney, who had already played in a team that had won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three continental titles including the FIFA Club World Cup. Rooney reciprocated Van Gaal’s faith with winning the FA Cup, Europa League, and the League Cup for United. Remembered for his stupendous overhead kick goal versus Manchester City on the 8th April 2018, Wayne still holds the record as the all-time goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.

With Rooney’s departure, Michael Carrick took over as United Captain (2017-2018) ; however the latter hardly featured due to complex medical procedures and retired at the end of the 2017-2018 season and joined the club’s coaching staff. Antonio Valenzia (2018-2019) suffered a similar fate, making just nine appearances as skipper in the 2018-2019 season. After 339 appearances for United, Antonio returned to South America and joined LDU Quito. In August 2019, Ashley Young was formally appointed captain but in January 2020 he was sold to Inter Milan.

Harry Maguire (2020 – Present) Harry became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined United in July 2019 (80 million GBP). He was viewed as a centrepiece in the club’s rebuild, having impressed for England at the 2018 World Cup. Ole made him skipper on the 17th January 2020.

Harry enjoyed a solid first season and helped the Reds to a runner‑up finish, but has had mixed fortunes during the 2021/2022. The jury is thus still out on our current skipper.