Manchester United has been the home to countless elite-level players over the years, with the majority of whom coming during the Sir Alex Ferguson reign.
From homegrown talents to big-money additions, the Red Devils faithful truly have been blessed with a conveyor belt of talents who can get the fans off their seats.
The success of the football club as a result simply can’t be understated, with their tally of 13 Premier League titles the most of any side since the division’s formation in 1992.
However, the Red Devils are without a top-flight title since 2013, with current boss Ruben Amorim the next manager in a long list to try and end such a drought.
Whilst he was only able to guide the club to a 15th-placed finish last time around, there’s a completely different feel at the Theatre of Dreams – one of optimism after years of struggles on the pitch.
Man Utd’s current crop of world-class talents
World-class has become such a loosely used term in the modern game, with countless players undeserving of such a title compared to players in years before them.
Bruno Fernandes is a player more than deserving of such praise, especially given his performances last season, which certainly prevented United from a potential relegation battle.
The Portuguese international ended 2024/25 on a staggering 37 combined goals and assists – truly leading from the front and highlighting why he’s been handed the captain’s armband.
However, some of the pressure will no doubt have been lifted from his shoulders this season, after the £71m addition of Bryan Mbeumo from Premier League rivals Brentford.
The Cameroonian may have cost a pretty penny, but he’s already hit the ground running in Manchester, as seen by his tally of five goals and one assist in all competitions.
His tally of four Premier League goals sees him sit top of the Red Devils’ top scorer charts, but also joint-fourth in the entire division – further showcasing how impressive he’s been since his big-money transfer.
The 26-year-old wasn’t alone in joining the club for huge money during the off-season, with attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha joining Amorim’s men for a reported £62.5m.
The Brazilian has since operated alongside Mbeumo in the number ten role at Old Trafford, subsequently deserving of the world-class label alongside the Cameroonian.
Cunha may have only scored his first goal for the club last Saturday, but it’s been a long time coming, with his underlying stats showcasing the threat he’s carried in forward areas.
He currently has the highest average number of shots on target per 90 at United, whilst also completing the most dribbles per 90 – already looking well worth the money paid for his signature.
The United player who’s becoming one of the world’s best
United haven’t been alien to spending huge funds on new talents over the years, as seen by their total of around £800m spent since the summer of 2022 alone.
Many players in that time had high expectations to deliver at Old Trafford, but ultimately fell way below them, as seen by Brazilian winger Antony – who cost a staggering £86m.
He arrived at the club from Ajax alongside then-boss Erik ten Hag, but only managed a measly tally of 12 goals in 96 appearances – subsequently leaving for just £21m to join Real Betis this summer.
However, not all of their huge investments have been a disaster, with centre-back Leny Yoro already proving to be a worthwhile investment 12 months on from his arrival.
The Frenchman was only 18 at the time of his transfer from Lille, but it didn’t stop the United hierarchy from spending a reported £52m for his services.
Many raised eyebrows given the nature of the transfer fee, but the teenage sensation has wasted no time in cementing his place as a regular starter within the first-team ranks.
He’s already racked up 42 senior appearances for the Red Devils – even scoring a decisive goal in their Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon last campaign.
Amorim is certainly a huge fan of the 19-year-old, with Yoro featuring in every single Premier League game in 2025/26 to date – often partnering Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt.
Podcaster Matt Spiro has spoken about his admiration for the youngster earlier this season, subsequently labelling the teenager as one of the “best in the world”.
His comments are certainly bold, but Yoro’s stats from 2025/26 back up his claim, with the centre-back ranking in the top 20% of all players in the Premier League for aerial duels won.
He’s also made 1.8 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in United’s ability to win five of their last matches under Amorim.
Games played
9
Minutes played
548
Pass accuracy
87%
Tackles won
1.3
Aerials won
70%
Long ball accuracy
44%
Recoveries made
3.5
Interceptions made
1.8
The French sensation is also extremely comfortable in possession, as reflected in his 87% pass completion rate and tally of 2.3 long balls completed per 90.
It’s evident that Yoro has all of the tools that a centre-back needs to flourish in the modern game, but it truly is a scary thought given the fact he’s still just getting started in the professional game.
He easily has another decade to grow into the men’s game and develop further – which could see United’s investment of £52m become one of the best deals in recent history.
Should he continue on such a trajectory, there’s little doubt that Yoro will be in that world-class bracket – potentially having a huge bearing on any future success at Old Trafford.
