Who are United's top 10 international appearance-makers?

Wednesday 21 June 2023 12:03

Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo became the first-ever male player to reach 200 international appearances on Tuesday, when he started and scored the winner in Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifier in Finland.

United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were also part of the XI, alongside their former Reds team-mate, as the Selecao made it two wins from two in the latest round of international fixtures.

Ronaldo's appearance made him the very first player to reach the landmark of 200 international caps in the men's game, and he has four more than the second highest - Kuwait striker Bader Al-Mutawa.

Cristiano may be top of the tree, but which other United players are in our top 10 international appearance-makers? Read on to find out...

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All The Goals: Cristiano Ronaldo

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ALEXIS SANCHEZ - CHILE (155 apps)

Former United winger Alexis Sanchez is the second-highest on our list, having made a remarkable 155 appearances for Chile. Now at Marseille, Alexis has won the Copa America with his nation twice, in 2015 and 2016, and his 47 goals for La Roja make him their all-time record goalscorer.

EDINSON CAVANI - URUGUAY (136 apps)

When Edinson Cavani arrived at United in 2020, he brought with him plenty of pedigree from his time at Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain, and his goalscoring exploits for La Celeste. The stylish centre-forward was a part of the Uruguay squad that lifted the Copa America in 2011, and he is the second-highest scorer in their history with 58 goals. Only Luis Suarez has scored more (68). Edi is currently at Valencia.

ANGEL DI MARIA - ARGENTINA (132 apps)

He may only have played at Old Trafford for one season, but Angel Di Maria's time at Argentina has been sprinkled with success. The winger, 35, scored in La Albiceleste's 2022 World Cup final win in Qatar and was part of the team that lifted the Copa America just one year prior. Di Maria is Argentina's fourth-highest appearance maker, with 132, and has scored 29 goals for his nation to date. There are reports he is to leave Juventus and rejoin Benfica.

EDWIN VAN DER SAR - NETHERLANDS (130 apps)

Edwin van der Sar's name draws thoughts of legacy and longevity, with the Dutch goalkeeper playing a remarkable 130 times for the Oranje between 1995 and 2008. During that time, Edwin played his part as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, and the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. Unfortunately, van der Sar did not lift any silverware for his nation, but he is the second-most capped Dutchman in history (behind Wesley Sneijder, who has 134 caps).

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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN - DENMARK (122 apps)

Current United midfielder Christian Eriksen is the sixth-highest international appearance for the club, past or present. The Denmark international has played 122 times for his country and has been named Danish Player of the Year on a record five occasions. Christian's 39 goals places him fifth on Denmark's all-time top scorers list, just one behind legendary striker Ole Madsen. Eriksen played for Denmark as recently as Monday, as they strive to gain qualification for Euro 2024.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC - SWEDEN (122 apps)

Zlatan is one of the most iconic players of the last 20 years, and his exploits for Sweden are no different. Sixty-two goals in 122 matches puts Ibrahimovic way out in front as his nation's all-time top scorer, with his bicycle kick against England living in the memories of fans all over the world - for different reasons depending on your affiliation!

Ibra made his debut for Sweden back in 2001, and had a successful career leading his nation that spanned an incredible 22 years before he announced his retirement at the end of last season.

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PETER SCHMEICHEL - DENMARK (121 apps)

The second Dane on our list, Peter Schmeichel enjoyed a successful time with the Denmark national team, after making his debut in 1988. He was the man between the sticks when they emerged as shock winners of the 1992 European Championships and he was made captain in 1996. Schmeichel continued to represent his nation for five more years, before retiring from international duty in April 2001.

BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER - GERMANY (121 apps)

A 2014 World Cup winner, it's safe to say that Bastian Schweinsteiger's international career was fruitful. The all-action midfielder made his debut for Germany back in 2004 and helped his nation get to the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup two years before they were beaten in the Euro 2008 final by Spain. Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the semi-finals once more, just two years later, before finally achieving glory in the 2014 tournament. Bastian played for United between 2015 and 2017, picking up an FA Cup winner's medal along the way.

WAYNE ROONEY - ENGLAND (120 apps)

Rounding off the top 10 is United's all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney. Wazza played for England for an impressive 15 years, after making his debut as a teenager back in 2003. Rooney's 120 caps make him the Three Lions' all-time top outfield appearance maker, and his tally of 53 goals was the record for England until Tottenham striker Harry Kane surpassed him in March 2023.

Between 2014 and 2017, Rooney was captain of England, and announced his international retirement in August 2017. He earned his final cap against the USA on 4 November 2018, after coming out of retirement for just one match.

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