From Bryan Robson to Eric Cantona, the club have asked some talismanic figures to wear the armband
There have been many great personalities who have led Manchester United, and while a few are still remembered fondly, some have faded from memory.
In the early 1980s, 'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson was given the captain's armband by Ron Atkinson. The coach broke the bank to sign Robson from West Brom for a then-British record transfer fee and had no qualms in handing over the captaincy to the midfielder.
It is believed that even former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly advised Atkinson to go all out for Robson. "Every penny it takes Ron, every penny it takes," Shankly reportedly told Atkinson.
However, Sir Matt Busby quit the board because he thought no player could be worth more than a million pounds. In spite of that, Robson survived and United started to reap the dividends.
In fact, when the Premier League era kicked off Robson still had the armband. However, his qualities were on the wane and Ferguson would often bench him, eventually leading Steve Bruce to take the armband.
Robson played 466 times for United and scored 99 goals. He was the United captain for 12 years, sharing the role with Bruce for the last two years.
Who went on to serve as United's captains in the Premier League era? GOAL takes a look.
GettySteve Bruce (1992-96)
Bruce was already the co-captain along with Robson from 1992. In 1994, he assumed the charge himself.
It was his brace against Sheffield Wednesday that helped United to win the inaugural Premier League title in 1992-93.
He made 414 appearances for the club and even led the side to a domestic double in the 1995-96 season.
AdvertisementEric CantonaEric Cantona (1996-97)
The Frenchman became the first foreign-born player to lead United. He was a popular figure in the dressing room and was key to United's success in the initial years of the Premier League.
Ferguson built his team around Cantona and he delivered on most occasions. He made 185 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 82 goals. His shock retirement at the end of the 1996-97 season at the age of just 30 stunned the football world.
Getty ImagesRoy Keane (1997-2005)
After Cantona, it was Roy Keane who took up the armband. He was one of the most committed players in a United shirt and would inspire the team to histooric success as he played the game with a fierce passion.
He had the qualities of a complete central midfielder and was primarily known for his late runs into the box, high work-rate and perfectly timed tackles.
He scored on his home debut and went on to become a fan favourite after finding the net in a Manchester derby.
He made 480 appearances for United and scored 51 goals. During his stint as the captain, United won four league titles, two FA Cups and one Champions League.
GettyGary Neville (2005-2011)
Gary Neville was one of Ferguson's most trusted lieutenants and belonged to the Class of '92 batch. He played for almost 20 years at United and spent six of those terms as captain. With 602 appearances for the club, he ranks fifth on the all-time appearance list.
The 2006 League Cup was his first trophy as a captain. However, the UEFA Champions League win in Moscow against Chelsea was his most cherished trophy as a captain.
