No10: Wayne Rooney (£27m, 2004)

Time will tell how brightly Rooney’s star burns at United but he has been superb in his first four years. The striker needs to increase his goal ratio but there can be no complaints about his overall contribution. His fearlessness is his prize asset, underpinned by his fantastic workrate.

No9: Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987)

Both Bruce and his partner-in-crime Gary Pallister were brilliant acquisitions. But the rugged defender gets the nod on this list because of his added value as a regular scorer, including 19 in one special season. At the back, Bruce was a lionheart — but was amazingly never capped by England.

No8: Rio Ferdinand (£30m, 2002)

The England centre-back took time to settle in at United but he is now one of their finest performers. Ferdinand has blossomed into a rock-solid defender, as well as becoming a leader in Gary Neville’s absence. Fergie’s best defender since Jaap Stam.

No7: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996)

United’s baby-faced assassin may not have been a regular in the starting XI but that takes nothing away from his contribution. His thrilling winner in the 1999 Champions League final was incredible but there was so much more to remember from this ultimate super-sub.

No6: Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990)

The Irish full-back proved to be an absolute snip in his dozen seasons at Old Trafford. Irwin was a dependable, no-nonsense defender, who rarely slipped up. And with his superb free-kicks — in the era before David Beckham’s emergence — he was pretty handy at the other end of the pitch, too.

No5: Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m, 2001)

The Dutch ace ultimately fell out with Fergie but not before becoming one of the club’s legendary hitmen. Van Nistelrooy fired over 150 goals wearing the famous red shirt after recovering from a serious knee injury. Fergie is desperate for a free-scoring striker and may now regret letting this man go.

No4: Cristiano Ronaldo (£12m, 2003)

The wing wizard could surge up this list with a repeat of his sensational form last season. The Portugal ace was unstoppable as United stormed to the Champions League and Premier League crowns — and Fergie has so far resisted his pleas to join Real Madrid.

No3: Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992)

This enigmatic Frenchman produced five unforgettable years at Old Trafford. Cantona was one of the most gifted forwards this country has ever seen. His kung-fu attack on a Crystal Palace fan may have damaged his reputation but United supporters were happy to forgive him.

No2: Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991)

United's best ever keeper — and arguably the greatest the game has ever seen. The giant Dane arrived as a relative unknown but became a legend during his eight-year stint. Schmeichel’s huge frame filled the goal as strikers homed in and very few got the better of him.

No1: Roy Keane (£3.75m, 1993)

Keane’s eventual exit was angry and abrupt but fans will never forget his spell at Old Trafford. The Irish midfielder was not the most technically gifted player but there was no questioning his incredible influence during his dozen years at the club. Brave, intimidating and unrelenting — a phenomenal leader.