Man United has very much benefitted from Portuguese influence in the club's rich history. But, who is the best Portuguese player in Man United history?
As the biggest club in the world, Man United has naturally garnered worldwide acclaim. Therefore, particularly as the game evolved, Man United welcomed players from across the globe.
This helped with the expansion of Man United as the largest sporting entity in the world. If United solely stuck to employing English players, the club would be nowhere near the size it is now.
One of the nations who has impacted Man United the most throughout its rich history is Portugal. So, let's take a trip down memory lane - Who is the best Portuguese player in Man United history?
Who is the best Portuguese player in Man United history?
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is potentially the best player to ever play football. So, he is an easy pick as the best Portuguese player in Man United history.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Man United as a promising youngster in 2003. This was his first stint at Man United, whereby he made 196 Premier League appearances, scoring 84 goals.
When he returned to Man United in 2021, CR7 made an additional 40 Premier League appearances and scored 19 more goals. So, in total, Ronaldo made 236 Premier League appearances and scored 103 league goals.
2. Bruno Fernandes
The second best Portuguese player to play for Man United is a current player, Bruno Fernandes. In fact, he is the captain.
Bruno Fernandes, like Cristiano, joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon. It took him some time to develop in the English top flight but over time, he was recognised as one of the best players at the club, deserving of the armband.
Bruno Fernandes is a creative midfielder, who won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup in back-to-back seasons. Despite playing in a bad period for Man United, Bruno is a diamond in the rough.
3. Nani
One of those players who Man United fans, and fans of the Premier League in general, will never forget. The tricky winger Nani produced many great moments in a Man United shirt.
Nani is yet another product of Sporting Lisbon who benefitted Man United. He arrived in 2007 and left permanently in 2015. During that time, he made 147 Premier League appearances, scoring 25 goals.
Other teams hated his skills and showboating, but they more often than not prevailed for Man United. A club legend by every definition of the word, winning four Premier Leagues and the Champions League.