Top 10 appearances: United’s Hall of Fame

The 1968 European Cup winner and survivor of the Munich Air Disaster made 688 appearances for the club across all competitions. 

Foulkes is fourth on United's all-time appearances list, with only Paul Scholes, former team-mate Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs ahead of him.

As we remember Bill, take a look at the top 10 here...

10 – DENIS IRWIN (1990-2002)

Appearances: 529
Goals: 33

The seven-time Premier League winner was part of the United side which dominated the 1990s and won the Treble in '99. The Irish full-back could play on either wing and was a mainstay in Sir Alex’s side for more than a decade.

9 – TONY DUNNE (1960-1973)

Appearances: 535
Goals: 2

Another Irish full-back, Dunne played for United for 13 years, and was part of the side that defeated Benfica to win the European Cup in 1968. Tony was pivotal throughout the '60s and early '70s, and won two First Division titles along the way.

8 – ALEX STEPNEY (1966-1978)

Appearances: 535
Clean sheets: 175
Goals: 2

The most-capped goalkeeper in United history, Stepney was also part of the side which became the first English team to lift the European Cup. The Reds defeated Benfica 4-1 in that final, and Stepney’s outstanding close-range save against superstar striker Eusebio is still talked about today.

7 – DAVID DE GEA (2011-2023)

Appearances: 511*
Clean sheets:177

De Gea joined in 2011 under Sir Alex Ferguson as the long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar. In more than a decade at Old Trafford, David showed himself worthy of such expectations, and cemented himself as a United great. The Spaniard has so far won the Premier League in 2013, FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League in 2017, plus four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.

6 – WAYNE ROONEY (2004-2017)

Appearances: 559
Goals: 253

Our all-time leading goalscorer, need we say more? Rooney joined in 2004 after his breakthrough season at Everton and lit up Old Trafford for more than a decade. With his raw power, underrated speed, devastating finishing and win-at-all-costs attitude, not to mention an unselfish team-first attitude, he was a nightmare for every opponent on the planet. 

5 – GARY NEVILLE (1992-2011)

Appearances: 602
Goals: 7

A member of the Class of ’92, G Nev achieved so much during 19 years in the seniors. One of only five Reds to have surpassed 600 appearances, and a former club captain, Gary won eight Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues and three FA Cups.

4 – BILL FOULKES (1952-1970)

Appearances: 688
Goals: 9

Foulkes is the highest ranked defender on our list and, like the rest of the top five, he spent his entire career at United. A survivor of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, Bill helped the Reds to achieve European glory 10 years later: he famously sent us through to Wembley with a late semi-final goal against Real Madrid.

3 – PAUL SCHOLES (1994-2011, 2012-2013)

Appearances: 718
Goals: 155

Scholes evolved from being a goal-scoring no.10 to a deep-lying playmaker throughout his career. He famously came out of retirement in 2012 to accrue more appearances, and countless legends of the game cite the Salford-born midfielder as the best they ever played with.

2 – SIR BOBBY CHARLTON (1956-1973)

Appearances: 758
Goals: 249

A true gentlemen and survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, our 1966 Ballon d’Or winner achieved so much during his iconic playing career, both on and off the pitch. He lifted three First Division titles, one FA Cup and the European Cup. He also held the all-time appearances and goals records for several decades, before Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney eventually surpassed him. Nobody embodies the values of Manchester United better than Sir Bobby.  

1 – RYAN GIGGS (1991-2014)

Appearances: 963
Goals: 168

With unmatched longevity, Giggs played for United’s senior team for an incredible 23 years and racked up close to 1,000 Reds appearances. He was part of all 13 Premier League title-winning sides and also lifted the Champions League twice too, among many other honours. It would take something seriously special – and some incredibly dedication - to displace the Welshman at the top of our list.

*As of 7 January 2023, after the Everton FA Cup game.