31. Fraizer Campbell

Huddersfield-born Fraizer Campbell is an agile striker with pace and determination, who possesses the ability to poach goals and create them himself through his speed and skill.

Campbell was top scorer for the Academy Under-18s as a first year scholar in 2004/05, scoring 14 goals in 22 starts as the Reds finished second in the Premier Academy League Group C. His performances at youth level led to him being called up to the Reserves, where he played five games and scored once.

The following season he scored nine goals in 14 starts for the Academy, but began to make an impact on the Reserves,

reaching the same total as his academy haul while United’s second-string marched to a Premier Reserve League, Play-off shield and Manchester Senior Cup treble.

Handed squad number 51 in November 2005, he was an unused substitute in United’s 0-0 FA Cup third round stalemate with Burton Albion in January 2006. He signed professional forms two months later, on 22 March, and was a second-half substitute in Roy Keane’s testimonial match against Celtic at Old Trafford in May 2006.

Fraizer embarked on a loan move to Royal Antwerp at the start of the 2006/07 season, and quickly became a favourite with the fans, who nicknamed him "Super Campbell". His goalscoring exploits in Belgium underlined his rapid development and in August 2007 his potential was further acknowledged by Sir Alex Ferguson when he made his competitive United debut as a substitute in the Manchester derby at Eastlands.

Another successful loan spell followed, this time at Hull City where his talents earned him a first call-up for England Under 21s in March 2008. He scored 15 goals in 32 starts during his time with the Tigers and in May 2008 helped them secure promotion to English football's top flight following a play-off victory over Bristol City.

On his return to Old Trafford, ahead of the start of the 2008/09 season, Campbell did his first team chances no harm with two goals in six games during the Reds' pre-season campaign. He was handed his first ever Premier League start in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle in August 2008 and was unlucky not to find the net with a first-half diving header.

On 1 September 2008 it was announced that Campbell would spend the remainder of the season on loan at Tottenham as part of the deal that brought Dimitar Berbatov to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.

His time at White Hart Lane has proved Campbell has what it takes to succeed at the top level. Indeed, he will always be able to boast of a memorable brace against Liverpool in the Carling Cup. But while his goals helped Spurs to Wembley for a second successive final appearance, Campbell was ruled ineligble to face his former employers and had to watch with mixed emotions as United won the cup on penalties.

30. Lee Martin

Lightning fast, driven and full of boundless energy, Martin is a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Coveted by many Premier League clubs, Lee signed for United in December 2003. His first full season at Old Trafford brought six reserve-team goals as he was quickly fast-tracked from the Under-18s.

An integral part of Ricky Sbragia's Quadruple-winning side in 2004/05, Martin's fine form continued into the 2005/06 season and he made his first-team debut in the League Cup win over Barnet in October 2005.

In January 2006, Lee was one of five United youngsters sent

out on loan to Royal Antwerp, where he quickly caught the eye with his energetic performances.

Although the Belgians’ bid for promotion ultimately failed, it wasn’t for lack of trying on the young winger’s part, and he was named the fans' Player of the Season for his efforts.

Sadly he was unable to have a similar impact in his next loan move, at Scottish giants Rangers. The Ibrox side's poor form, together with a niggling knee injury, prevented Lee making his mark on the SPL.

Upon returning to England, Lee attracted the interest of a host of clubs, with Championship side Stoke taking him on loan until the end of the 2006/07 season.

Martin turned in consistently fine form with the Potters, although Tony Pulis' side ultimately failed to reach the playoffs. Buoyed by the experience, Lee returned to Carrington a far more experienced player.

He toured the Far East with United in July 2007, scoring against Chinese side Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, and earned another first-team chance in the Carling Cup defeat to Coventry City two months later.

Further loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United followed, although

the latter was cut short by a knee injury.

Martin again went on United's pre-season tour of South Africa in the summer of 2008 and scored the winner against Orlando Pirates in the Vodacom Challenge.

The midfielder spent the first half of the 2008/09 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he scored one goal in 14 appearances.

29. Tomasz Kuszczak

There aren't many tougher jobs at United than shadowing Edwin van der Sar.

With one of the world's best ahead of you, chances are limited, which means grasping the opportunities that come your way is essential.

By and large, Tomasz Kuszczak has done just that. Remember his United debut in September 2006? The Reds may have lost, but Kuszczak made a stunning penalty save from Arsenal's Gilberto Silva.

Since then, United fans have come to recognise Tomasz's immense shot-stopping ability. An imposing figure between the sticks, the Pole is extremely athletic

and agile, attributes that first came to the Reds' attention when he came on for West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford in May 2005.

With the Baggies 1-0 down and Russell Hoult injured after 22 minutes, Kuszczak came off the bench to make a string of saves and keep out United for the rest of the match. Robert Earnshaw’s penalty eventually earned Bryan Robson’s men a vital point and the following term Tomasz established his position as first-choice goalkeeper at The Hawthorns.

In the summer of 2006 United embarked on a relentless pursuit of the Poland international. Finally, after turning down three offers, the Midlands side finally relented and allowed Kuszczak to join the Reds, initially on loan. His move was made permanent at the beginning of the double-winning 2007/08 campaign, a season in which Tomasz made 16 appearances and kept no fewer than eight clean sheets.

In 2008/09 a fit-again Ben Foster has threatened Tomasz's position as no.2, but the Pole insists it's a challenge he relishes. And while Foster may have been given the nod in the Carling Cup final against Tottenhan Hotspur, Sir Alex assured Kuszczak and fans that the 6ft 3in stopper still has a big part to play in United's future.

Did You Know? 'Tomasz Kuszczak' would fetch a score of 53 in Scrabble. It's pronounced 'Tomash Koosh-shack'.

28. Darron Gibson

Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson is an athletic midfielder who packs a powerful shot.

'Gibbo' has been in and around the first team for several seasons but it was in the 2008/09 campaign that he made a real breakthrough.

He scored his first goal for the seniors in the FA Cup win at Southampton in January 2009 and also played every game of the Reds' triumphant Carling Cup campaign, in which his composure and passing ability drew comparisons with Michael Carrick.

Darron made his first-team debut the day after his 18th

birthday, as a second-half substitute in the Carling Cup victory over Barnet in October 2005.

Gibson was a regular fixture in United's reserves that season (2005/06), making 19 appearances and scoring two goals in a campaign that yielded three trophies.

Darron's development was furthered in 2006/07 by a loan spell at Royal Antwerp. Although initially hampered by a knee injury, the midfielder made a big impact in Belgium, helping Antwerp almost to gain promotion.

Promotion to the top flight was also the target for Gibson's next loan period, this time in England with Wolves. The Irish midfielder joined Mick McCarthy's team in October 2007 and stayed for six months, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal, although Wolves just missed out on the play-offs.

Derry-born Gibson represented Northern Ireland at youth level but subsequently opted to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his international debut in August 2007, and is now a regular for his country.

26. Manucho

After Manucho's memorable displays for his native Angola in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Sir Alex Ferguson could breathe a sigh of relief. He would not have to battle it out with his Premier League rivals for the striker's services as Manucho was already a Red.

Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, or Manucho to his team-mates, signed a three-year deal with United after impressing during a three-week trial in December 2007. Before arriving at Old Trafford, the towering striker was the leading scorer in the top Angolan division, the Girabola, for two seasons, netting 16 goals in 2006/07 and 15 in 2005/06.


His impressive form continued at international level and he played a starring role during Angola's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January 2008. He opened the scoring in their first game against South Africa and struck another two goals in their 3-1 win over Senegal four days later. He also found the net in the 2-1 defeat to Egypt, firing a 30-yard screamer into the top-left corner. Although the result meant Angola were eliminated from the tournament, Manucho was named in the competition's overall best XI.

While United applied for Manucho's work permit, Sir Alex loaned him out to Panathinaikos in Greece for the latter part of the 2007/08 season. It proved to be a successful move as the striker gained valuable experience. He scored on his league debut in the 2–0 home win over Larissa and when Panathinaikos finished third, he scored three goals in six play-off games to help them reach the qualifying rounds of the 2008/09 Champions League.

Manucho’s application for a work permit was finally granted in August 2008, enabling him to start his dream career at Old Trafford, initially in the reserves. The Angolan eventually made his senior debut in the Carling Cup, as a late substitute for Ryan Giggs in the third round win over

Middlesbrough on 23 September 2008. He also made his Barclays Premier League debut as a sub, in the 5-0 win against Stoke City two months later.

The striker made several appearances and scored one league goal (a header against Everton) for the reserves before Sir Alex decided he needed another loan spell, this time in the Premier League. Manucho moved to Hull City in January 2009 for the remainder of the season. Making his Hull debut in a home defeat by Arsenal, he scored a significant first goal for the Tigers against Fulham - a last-minute winner at Craven Cottage on 4 March 2009.

25. Danny Simpson

Salford-born defender Danny Simpson has represented United at all levels since signing with the Reds' Academy in July 2003.

The robust, tough-tackling full-back can play anywhere across the back, but has settled as a right-back in recent years, having honed his position during a host of successful loan deals.

'Simmo', as he is known around Carrington, climbed through the club's youth ranks and represented Paul McGuinness' under-18s before gradually establishing himself in the Reds' successful Reserves team, playing a part in the 2004/05 quadruple and the 2005/06 treble triumphs.


Danny's form earned him a loan move to Royal Antwerp in January 2006, where his impressive displays yielded a spot on the club's 2006/07 pre-season tour of South Africa. With the route to senior opportunities still blocked by Gary Neville and Wes Brown, however, he rejoined Antwerp for another loan deal.

After returning in December 2006, Danny and team-mate Jonny Evans were snapped up to temporarily aid Roy Keane's Sunderland in their push for the Premier League. Having played an integral role in taking the Black Cats up, Simmo was handed a United first team debut in September 2007.

Unfortunately, Danny's bow was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons as the Reds crashed out of the Carling Cup to Coventry City. While a number of that side were farmed out on loan, Simpson remained at Old Trafford and went on to made eight appearances across all four major competitions.

The form of Wes Brown rarely allowed anyone else a look-in at right-back, however, and a brief late-season loan to Ipswich Town beckoned. A season-long deal then took Simmo to Blackburn Rovers for the 2008/09 campaign, with a view to giving him the platform to showcase his undoubted talent.

24. Darren Fletcher

Darren Fletcher is a player for the big occasion. While other men might shirk from the responsibility presented to them in the heat of battle, the Scot thrives in such encounters.

This attitude was never more visibly displayed than in the 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal [in February 2008] in which he headed two goals. He set the standard for the team with his indefatigable running, hassling, closing down and tackling which denied the Gunners time and space to play their usual passing game.

“I enjoy the added pressure of the big games," admitted the midfielder, who scooped his second title medal in

May 2008 and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final in Moscow. "The atmosphere’s always special and the crowd spur you on.”

In terms of recognition for his exertions and qualities, Fletcher's United career has been a slow burner. It is only with age, and with an ever-growing list of outstanding performances, that he has received due credit.

His United career almost got off to fairytale start when in May 2000, Fletcher was set to be included in the squad for the league trip to Villa Park, but FA rules – and his schoolboy status – denied him the chance.

He joined United officially as a trainee in July 2000, but injuries stymied his progress. He eventually made his debut against Basel in March 2003, but it was in the following season that Fletch made his mark, notching 35 appearances. By this stage, he was established as one of Scotland’s leading lights: he scored the solitary goal against Lithuania that earned a play-off for Euro 2004 and, later that season, aged 20, became Scotland’s youngest captain for 118 years.

The 2004/05 campaign brought Fletcher’s first goal for United, in a 2-0 win at Boro on New Year’s Day. His most famous strike to date was against

Chelsea in November 2005 when he headed the goal that ended the champions’ 40-game unbeaten run. Subsequent seasons saw him used intermittently, but the trend of selecting him for the biggest, most important games indicated the high regard in which Sir Alex Ferguson holds his countryman.

That faith was displayed when, in October 2008. Darren signed a four-year contract extension. He admitted that just a few months earlier he had contemplated life away from Old Trafford, only for Sir Alex to field him regularly in the early stages of the 2008/09 season.

Fletcher struck up an energetic, dominant midfield partnership with Michael Carrick and began finding the net on a more regular basis, validating the judgement of his manager and finally yielding recognition from peers and supporters alike.

23. Jonny Evans

Belfast-born Jonathan Evans is a tall and agile centre-back. An intelligent defender, he combines an uncompromising physical approach with the ability to pass the ball out from the back.

Jonny has risen through the United ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad, with Sir Alex Ferguson admitting: "His United future is assured." The Northern Ireland international - who received his first call-up before he had even made his United debut - has blossomed into one of the most promising young defenders around.

Ever since he was handed a Champions League squad number at the

start of the 2005/06 season, aged just 17, Evans has been a burgeoning talent waiting to burst to prominence. Handed his opportunity by the sale of Gerard Pique in the summer of 2008, Jonny did that during the course of the 2008/09 campaign.

Whenever called upon, Jonny's ice-cool calm is immediately apparent, even on huge stages like the San Siro or Stamford Bridge. His capacity for handling pressure is incredible, and stems partially from the extensive experience he gained out on loan.

Roy Keane, Jonny's boyhood hero, enlisted his former team-mate when he took the managerial reins at Sunderland, and Evans played a lead role in helping the Black Cats reach the Premier League. Midway through the 2007/08 campaign, by which time Jonny had made his United debut against Coventry, Keane came calling again and took Evans back to the Stadium of Light for another six months.

After returning from Wearside, he featured in every one of United's 2008/09 pre-season games, a telling precursor of the youngster's growing status in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sure enough, Evans quickly became the Reds' contingency plan for whenever the rock-solid partnership of Rio Ferdinand and

Nemanja Vidic was broken up, filling the breach in every competition - including the Reds' Club World Cup final and League Cup final victories.

22. John O'Shea

Arguably United’s most versatile player, John O'Shea - who has made over 300 appearances - has played everywhere during his time at Old Trafford. But wherever he plays, United’s no.22 is happy to contribute to the team.

What’s more, the Irishman signed a contract in November 2007 that will keep him at the club until 2012. He said of his new deal: “It has never crossed my mind to leave. Luckily the club wanted me to stay and it was sorted out quickly.”

A shining example of selflessness and professionalism, John has been ever-willing in his service for United, ever since his first

full season in 2002/03 when he was was a revelation at left-back. He raced up and down the wing, effortlessly picking the pockets of opponents who ran at him and cheekily nutmegging those who tried to stop him (remember Luis Figo?).

O'Shea has always been a footballing defender, blessed with beautiful balance, crisp passing and formidable upper-body strength, which enables him to slip effortlessly into midfield and anywhere across the back four.

In 2004/05 he played in all those positions, and in the following season he began to establish himself in the holding role in midfield – forming an unlikely but extremely effective partnership with Ryan Giggs that was the basis of United’s late-season surge. The Irish international continued where he'd left off at the start of the 2006/07 campaign, but soon had his chances limited by the burgeoning midfield partnership between Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

He still went on to make 49 appearances (including a cameo between the posts at White Hart Lane) and chipped in with five goals, the most memorable of which came at Anfield in March 2007. Pepe Reina could only parry Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time free kick and the ball fell to substitute O'Shea, who coolly

swept it home in front of the Kop to the delight of Reds everywhere.

More recently, O'Shea featured prominently as United's defence sent records tumbling. The Irishman, who has amassed over 50 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, started 11 games and made two substitute appearances as the Reds created a Premier League record of 14 successive clean sheets.

21. Rafael

Rafael was born in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, and is very much a modern full-back; he loves to bombard down the right flank - but he's not all just Brazilian flair, he's made of tough stuff.

Rafael, who like his twin brother Fabio is a Brazilian youth international, was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the Reds' starting line-up at Peterborough on 4 August 2008 in Barry Fry's testimonial match. Talk about taking your chance when it comes. Sir Alex described the 18-year-old's performance as "a sensation".

Finally, it was the end of one long journey from his former Brazilian club

Fluminense, and the start of a new one with United.

What made Rafael's debut all the more startling was that he hadn't played for over a year. The Reds had been waiting for international clearance on the pair's transfer from Brazil, so they had been unable to play for United during that time and, in fact, didn't play any regular competitive football.

You would never have guessed it. Rafael was tearing up and down the right touchline - perhaps exerting 12 months of frustration - throwing himself into tackles and getting forward to aid United's attacks in equal measure.

"It was a real eye opener for us," said a beaming Sir Alex. "He hadn't played for a year but he's played a full 90 minutes today. You know what football is like. Sometimes it turns up some star, a little nugget maybe. On the evidence of tonight I think we've got a good player here."

Both brothers were spotted by Les Kershaw, then Academy Manager, in the summer of 2005 while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament.

The patience shown to wait for this chance with United suggests that Rafael will be undaunted by the challenges ahead, and his ten-minute cameo on his competitive debut

against Newcastle appeared to back up that claim, as did his first goal in a red shirt - a stunning last-minute volley in the defeat at Arsenal in November 2008.

He quickly began stringing together top-level performances, displacing fit-again club captain Gary Neville and England international Wes Brown at various stages of the campaign. Rafael has coped with high pressure matches with a calm which belies his tender years, indicating that a very bright future awaits this young man.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly sees the Brazilian as a big part of his future plans, and he handed Rafael a "It was a real eye opener for us," said a beaming Sir Alex. "He hadn't played for a year but he's played a full 90 minutes today. You know what football is like. Sometimes it turns up some star, a little nugget maybe. On the evidence of tonight I think we've got a good player here."

Both brothers were spotted by Les Kershaw, then Academy Manager, in the summer of 2005 while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament.

The patience shown to wait for this chance with United suggests that Rafael will be undaunted by the challenges ahead, and his ten-minute cameo on his competitive debut

against Newcastle appeared to back up that claim, as did his first goal in a red shirt - a stunning last-minute volley in the defeat at Arsenal in November 2008.

He quickly began stringing together top-level performances, displacing fit-again club captain Gary Neville and England international Wes Brown at various stages of the campaign. Rafael has coped with high pressure matches with a calm which belies his tender years, indicating that a very bright future awaits this young man.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly sees the Brazilian as a big part of his future plans, and he handed Rafael a two-year contract extension before the defender had even completed his first season in England. “Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional," said the United manager, before adding: "His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player."