all time top scorer of Manchester United

Top 10 All Time Top Scorer of Manchester United

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Manchester United is one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world. It has a rich heritage that spans over a century. The club has become synonymous with excellence, passion, and glory. The main reason for this success are those legendary goal scorers who have graced the famous red shirt and carried the title of the all time top scorer of Manchester United, a title that has immense weight with it.

These Manchester United legends have not just scored goals; they’ve created some special moments that live forever in the memories of fans. From dramatic last-minute winners to spectacular long-range efforts, they have scored some of the most amazing goals. Their contributions have directly led to the overflowing trophy cabinet at Old Trafford.

In this post, we’ll have a look at the definitive list of the top 10 players who have scored the most goals in Manchester United’s history. We’re celebrating these footballing icons, their incredible records, and the lasting legacy they’ve created at the Theatre of Dreams.

The 10 All Time Top Scorer of Manchester United

10. Paul Scholes (155 Goals)

Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes holds the 10th spot of the top 10 all time goal scorers for Manchester United with 155 goals in 718 appearances. His remarkable United career spanned nearly two decades from 1994 to 2011, with a brief retirement before returning to action from 2012 to 2013.

What makes Scholes’ goal tally even more impressive is that he wasn’t primarily a forward. He began his career as a second striker and attacking midfielder, netting his 100th goal for the club in 2003. As his career progressed, he moved deeper into midfield, taking on a playmaker role that showcased his passing range rather than his goalscoring.

When Scholes initially retired in 2011, he was level with Ruud van Nistelrooy on 150 United goals. His surprise comeback in January 2012 allowed him to add five more goals to his tally, moving him into tenth position outright on the club’s all-time scoring list.

Scholes was the beating heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s great title-winning sides of the 1990s and 2000s. His technical ability was second to none, with a passing range that could unlock any defense and shooting technique that produced countless memorable long-range strikes.

What set Scholes apart was his football intelligence. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time, arriving late in the box to finish moves or unleashing thunderous shots from distance. His ability to control games from midfield while still contributing significantly to the goalscoring charts marks him as one of the most complete players in United’s history.

Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Scholes’ place in Manchester United’s top 10 goal scorers list cements his legacy as not just a creator but a genuine goal threat throughout his career. His brief return from retirement showed his enduring class and allowed him to secure his place in this elite group of United goal scorers.

9. Mark Hughes (163 Goals)

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes, affectionately known as ‘Sparky’ by Manchester United fans, holds the prestigious ninth position among the all time top scorers of Manchester United with 163 goals in 467 appearances. His United career came in two distinct spells – first from 1983 to 1986, and then a triumphant return from 1988 to 1995 after brief stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Mark Hughes was incredibly consistent with his goal scoring capabilities. He hit double figures in each of his seven seasons following his return to Old Trafford in 1988. This remarkable consistency meant he ended six campaigns as either United’s top or joint-top marksman – a feat only matched by Wayne Rooney in the club’s rich history.

Hughes wasn’t your typical striker. He combined raw physical strength with technical brilliance, becoming famous for his spectacular volleys and crucial goals in big matches. His ability to score when it mattered most made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.

‘Sparky’ played a vital role during the early years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, helping the legendary manager secure his first trophies at the club. His goals were often not just beautiful but meaningful, helping United end their 26-year wait for a league title in the inaugural Premier League season of 1992/93.

Hughes’ powerful playing style and knack for the spectacular made him one of the most feared forwards of his generation. His contribution to Manchester United’s return to the summit of English football cannot be overstated, laying the groundwork for the dynasty that would follow.

8. Ryan Giggs (168 Goals)

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is the 9th all time top scorer of Manchester United. He is a record appearance maker with an astonishing 963 games for the club between 1991 and 2014. During this remarkable 24-year career at Old Trafford, the Welsh wizard scored 168 goals, placing him joint-7th alongside Joe Spence in the club’s all-time goal-scorers list.

Ryan Giggs’ longevity is as incredible as his goal scoring abilities. He remains the only player to score in each of the first 21 seasons of the Premier League, highlighting his remarkable ability to adapt his game as he aged. Beginning as a flying left-winger known for his pace and dribbling skills, Giggs later transformed into a composed central midfielder while still contributing goals.

With 13 Premier League titles to his name, Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history—a record that will likely never be broken. His goal-scoring wasn’t concentrated in short bursts but spread consistently across more than two decades, registering in all but one of his 24 campaigns as a first-team player.

Some of his goals have become part of United folklore, none more famous than his solo effort against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay, often cited as one of the greatest goals in the club’s history. While his appearance record will almost certainly never be surpassed, his goal-scoring contribution remains an impressive testament to his all-around brilliance as a player.

Giggs managed this impressive goal tally despite spending much of his later career in a deeper midfield role, showing his adaptability and football intelligence that allowed him to remain effective at the highest level until his retirement at age 40.

7. Joe Spence (168 Goals)

Joe Spence

Joe Spence is one of the most prolific goal scorer in the history of Manchester United. He scored 168 goals during his 14 years stint at Manchester United from 1919 to 1933. Making 510 appearances for the club, Spence was the standout star during what many consider a challenging period in United’s history.

As a talented winger, Spence became the club’s biggest attraction in the years following World War I. What makes his goal tally even more remarkable is that he achieved this during an era when United spent considerable time in the Second Division. Despite the club’s fluctuating fortunes, Spence remained loyal and consistent, becoming a fan favorite for his reliability in front of goal.

His scoring record was so impressive that it stood as a club record for nearly two decades until Jack Rowley finally surpassed it in 1952. Even now, over 90 years since his departure to Bradford City, Spence’s place in United’s all-time top 10 goal-scorers remains secure.

While his career might not have been decorated with the silverware that later United legends enjoyed, his goal-scoring skills and dedication to the club during challenging times cemented his legacy as one of the Red Devils’ greatest ever marksmen. Spence shares the 7th position with Ryan Giggs on United’s all-time scoring list, both having netted 168 goals.

6. George Best (179 Goals)

George Best

George Best, the “Belfast Boy,” shares fifth place on Manchester United’s all-time scoring list with Dennis Viollet, having netted 179 goals during his 11-year spell at the club from 1963 to 1974.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Best arrived at United as a skinny teenager but quickly developed into one of football’s first genuine global superstars. His dazzling dribbling skills, lightning pace, and eye for goal made him a nightmare for defenders and a joy for fans to watch. Best’s natural charisma and good looks helped him transcend the sport, becoming a cultural icon of the 1960s.

What makes Best’s goal tally even more impressive is how quickly he reached his century of goals for United. He achieved this milestone at just 22 years of age – still a club record that hasn’t been broken. His magical feet could create scoring opportunities out of nothing, and his finishing was just as impressive as his dribbling.

Best’s most spectacular season came in 1967/68 when he scored 32 goals across all competitions, including United’s second goal in the European Cup final victory against Benfica at Wembley. This outstanding campaign helped him win both the European Cup and the prestigious Balon d’Or award, cementing his status as one of the world’s best players.

As part of the famous “United Trinity” alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, Best helped define an era of success for Manchester United. His flair and attacking brilliance brought fans to their feet and inspired generations of wingers who followed him at Old Trafford.

Though his later career was affected by off-field issues, Best’s legacy as one of football’s greatest ever talents remains untarnished. His 179 goals came in 470 appearances, meaning he scored at a rate of 0.38 goals per game – an excellent return for a player who wasn’t a traditional center-forward. Many older United supporters still describe Best’s performances with misty-eyed wonder, considering his peak years as some of the most thrilling football ever seen at Old Trafford.

5. Dennis Viollet (179 Goals)

Dennis Viollet

Dennis Viollet is ranked at the 5th spot of all time top scorer of Manchester United sharing his position with George Best. Dennis Viollet score 179 goals during his 9 years at Manchester United from 1953 to 1962. Born in Manchester on September 20, 1933, Viollet joined United’s youth setup and quickly showed his natural scoring ability.

Viollet was a key member of the famous ‘Busby Babes’ team assembled by legendary manager Sir Matt Busby. His technical skills and football intelligence made him stand out even among a team full of talented youngsters. What made Viollet special was his incredible consistency in front of goal – he averaged an impressive 0.65 goals per match according to statistics, making him one of the most efficient finishers in United’s history.

Perhaps his most remarkable achievement came in the 1959/60 season when he scored 32 league goals – a club record that incredibly still stands today, over six decades later. This outstanding performance earned him Manchester United’s first-ever Golden Boot award.

Viollet’s career and life took a dramatic turn when he survived the tragic Munich Air Disaster of 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his teammates. Despite this traumatic experience, he showed remarkable resilience by continuing to score goals at an impressive rate in the seasons that followed.

Though his trophy cabinet might not be as full as some other United legends, Viollet’s goal-scoring prowess puts him in elite company, tied for fifth place on the club’s all-time scoring list with another legend, George Best. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to score all types of goals made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.

4. Jack Rowley (211 Goals)

Jack Rowley

Jack Rowley ranks fourth on Manchester United’s all-time top scorers list with an impressive 211 goals in 424 appearances during his lengthy spell at the club from 1937 to 1955. His remarkable goal tally came despite his career being interrupted by World War II, making his achievement even more noteworthy.

Nicknamed ‘The Gunner’ because of his powerful shooting ability, Rowley was feared by goalkeepers across England. His thunderous strikes could find the net from almost any angle or distance, making him a constant threat whenever he had the ball at his feet.

Rowley played a vital role in Sir Matt Busby’s first great Manchester United side after the war. He was instrumental in helping United claim the 1948 FA Cup, scoring twice in the final against Blackpool in a 4-2 victory. This triumph was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of Busby’s successful reign at Old Trafford.

His goal-scoring abilities continued as United claimed the First Division title in 1952, with Rowley consistently finding the net throughout the campaign. His ability to perform in big matches made him a fan favorite and a player teammates could rely on when it mattered most.

What’s particularly impressive about Rowley was his versatility. Though primarily a center-forward, he could also play effectively on the wing when needed, showcasing his all-around footballing ability. His adaptability made him an invaluable asset to Busby’s tactical plans.

Rowley’s legacy at Manchester United remains strong even today, with his goal-scoring exploits still placing him among the elite forwards to have worn the famous red shirt. His contribution to the club’s post-war revival helped lay the foundations for the success that would follow in later decades under Busby’s management.

3. Denis Law (237 Goals)

Denis Law

Denis Law stands tall as Manchester United’s third highest goal scorer of all time with an incredible 237 goals in approximately 404 appearances between 1962 and 1973. Affectionately known as ‘The King’ by the Old Trafford faithful, Law formed part of the legendary ‘United Trinity’ alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.

What made Law so special? His predatory instincts inside the penalty area were second to none. He had an uncanny ability to find space in crowded boxes and finish with deadly accuracy. Law wasn’t just a goal poacher though – he could score all types of goals, from powerful headers to acrobatic volleys.

His scoring rate was truly remarkable for the era, averaging more than a goal every two games during his time at United. This consistent brilliance didn’t go unnoticed on the international stage either, as Law won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 1964, recognizing him as Europe’s best player.

Law’s contribution to Manchester United went beyond just goals. He brought a fierce competitive spirit and winning mentality that helped drive the club to success. His partnership with Charlton and Best created one of the most formidable attacking trios in football history, thrilling fans and terrorizing defenses throughout the 1960s.

The Scottish striker was a key figure in United’s 1968 European Cup triumph, though he sadly missed the final due to injury. Nevertheless, his goals in earlier rounds helped the club become the first English team to lift the famous trophy. Law’s legacy as one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players remains firmly intact to this day.

2. Sir Bobby Charlton (249 Goals)

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton is one of the most respected and beloved figures in Manchester United’s history. He scored 249 goals during his incredible 17-year career at the club from 1956 to 1973. His goal record stood for an amazing 44 years until Rooney finally surpassed it in 2017.

Charlton’s story at United is even more powerful because he survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster that claimed the lives of eight of his teammates. After that tragedy, he became the heartbeat of the club’s recovery and subsequent rise to European glory.

What made Charlton so special was his all-around brilliance. He wasn’t just a goal scorer – he was a complete footballer who could control games from midfield while still finding the net regularly. His powerful long-range shots became his trademark, with many opponents knowing they were in trouble as soon as he lined up a strike from distance.

Charlton’s talent wasn’t just recognized at club level. He won the World Cup with England in 1966 and the Balon d’Or in the same year. At Manchester United, he was part of the team that won the European Cup in 1968, scoring twice in the final against Benfica.

The numbers tell only part of the story – Charlton made 758 appearances for United, showing his consistency and longevity. But what the statistics can’t capture is his grace on the field, his sportsmanship, and how he carried himself as a true gentleman of the game.

Even today, Charlton’s name remains synonymous with Manchester United’s values and traditions. The South Stand at Old Trafford is named after him – a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the club both on and off the pitch.

1. Wayne Rooney (253 Goals)

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney cemented his place at the top of Manchester United’s goalscoring charts with an incredible 253 goals during his 13-year spell at Old Trafford from 2004 to 2017. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that he managed this feat in just 559 appearances.

Rooney arrived at United as a teenager from Everton and quickly showed his scoring abilities. His journey to becoming the club’s greatest goalscorer wasn’t just about the number of goals but also about their quality and importance. Remember that bicycle kick against Manchester City? Or his debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League? These moments showed his exceptional talent from the very beginning.

In January 2017, Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing record with a stunning free-kick against Stoke City. This wasn’t just any goal – it was a last-minute equalizer that showcased his ability to deliver when it mattered most.

During his time at United, Rooney won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and three League Cups. His contribution went beyond just scoring – he provided 101 assists in the Premier League alone.

Rooney’s legacy at United is set in stone. He was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his massive impact on English football. What made him special wasn’t just his goal tally but his versatility – he played as both a striker and an attacking midfielder throughout his career, adapting his game as he matured.

For many young United fans growing up in the 2000s and 2010s, Rooney was the face of Manchester United – a player who combined skill, determination, and a never-say-die attitude that perfectly matched the club’s ethos.

Beyond the Top 10: Notable Scorers and Future Prospects

Just missing out on the top 10 is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who scored an impressive 150 goals in just 219 appearances for Manchester United between 2001 and 2006. The Dutch striker had one of the most remarkable scoring rates in club history, averaging nearly 0.7 goals per game. His clinical finishing and predatory instincts in the box made him a fan favorite during his five-year stint at Old Trafford.

Stan Pearson (148 goals) and David Herd (145 goals) also deserve recognition for their significant contributions to United’s scoring charts. Cristiano Ronaldo, during his two spells at the club, accumulated 145 goals in 345 appearances, showcasing his incredible talent that later made him a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Among current players, Marcus Rashford has been steadily climbing the list with 138 goals as of April 2025. He recently overtook Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (126 goals) and Brian McClair (127 goals) to move into the 15th position on the all-time list. At just 27 years old, Rashford has time on his side to potentially break into the top 10.

Bruno Fernandes has also been making his mark, currently sitting 27th with 83 goals as of late 2024. His ability to score from midfield positions, particularly from penalties and free kicks, has helped him rapidly ascend the scoring charts since joining in January 2020.

Final Thoughts

These top scorers aren’t just names on a list – they’re the heartbeat of Manchester United’s rich footballing legacy. From Rooney’s record-breaking feats to Charlton’s enduring brilliance, each goal they scored helped shape the club we know today.

Their incredible achievements on the pitch have earned them permanent spots in the hearts of fans worldwide. As new stars emerge and records are chased, these legendary goal-getters will always be remembered as the ones who set the standard for greatness at Old Trafford.

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