Carlos Tevez Bio

Carlos Tevez got his desired move to Manchester United in August 2007, in the hope that the controversy over his time in England would finally come to an end.

After saving West Ham from a relegation it was always unlikely he would remain at the Hammers. Many still believe the Hammers should have been deducted points for the scandal which surrounded his move to east London.

The Argentina international joined West Ham on the final day of the summer 2006 transfer window in a move that rocked world football. And continued to rock it for nearly a year...

One of the only players from Argentina's 2006 World Cup squad not to ply his trade in Europe, the then 22-year-old was regarded as one of the most promising talents in the world after two high-scoring seasons with Corinthians in Brazil.

Starting his career at the age of 13 with Boca Juniors in Argentina, he has a distinctive scar from the right ear, down his neck to his chest. This is a product of having been scalded with boiling water when he was a young boy. Carlos declined plastic surgery since he would have to be out of the playground for four months.

Tevez's first professional match with Boca was in 2001 against Talleres de Córdoba. While playing for Boca he won an Argentine Championship (2003), a Copa Libertadores (2003), an Intercontinental Cup (2003), and a Copa Sudamericana (2004).

Tévez has also won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics with his Argentina and scored eight goals in six matches to be the top scorer in the competition.

The Argentine Football Writers chose him as Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and also Sportsman of the Year 2004.

He was the world's second top goalscorer of 2004 in international competitions with 16 goals, one less than Ali Daei from Iran.

In December 2004, he transferred to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista for $20 million with a five year contract worth $10 million, following the Brazilian club's deal with Media Sports Investment. The deal was the biggest transfer ever in South American football.

Tévez became the captain and star of the team that won the 2005 Brazilian league and the fans' favourite player, and was being linked to Chelsea FC as a result of Roman Abramovich's link to MSI.

However, in August 2006, he refused to play for the club and insisted he was keen on a move to Europe. That move materialised as he joined West Ham with international team mate Javier Mascherano as part of a controversial deal arranged though sports group MSI, who had links to a possible bid being prepared for the East End club.

Arriving at West Ham, Tevez struggled to settle into the under-fire side, as they failed to win in their first nine games of the Premiership campaign.

Following the dismissal of West Ham manager Alan Pardew in December 2006, Tevez's form improved as he was given a run in the side by new boss Alan Curbishley.

The Premier League fined West Ham £5.5million for breaching the rules over the signings of Tévez and Mascherano, they got off lightly.

He scored the winner again Manchester United on the final day of the season to ensure their top flight status. It was the final star performance in a three-month period which had fired the Hammers to safety. Despite deciding to leave he will never be forgotten by West Ham fans.

Tevez joined United in a deal that saw MSI pay £2m to West Ham. He joined United on a two-year loan deal that will see the Glazers have to shell out a mult-million transfer fee should they choose to keep him at Old Trafford.

He made his United debut in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth and bagged his first goal in a 2-0 home win over Chelsea. Though his start at United was slow, he eventually bedded down to become an important player in a United side which did the Premier League and Champions League double.

Danny Welbeck Bio

Young Manchester United striker Welbeck is tipped for a bright future in the game, though that may not come with the Red Devils.

Even so, he is a highly rated as a player who can play up front as well as out wide. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has likened him to Nwankwo Kanu in style.

Paul McGuinness, United's Under-18 coach, told their official website: 'He's got a smooth and languid style but don't let that fool you, it sometimes disguises the fact that he is a really hard worker.

'Danny is a very talented and skillful player with good all-round technique. He's strong, quick, good defensively as well as going forward, and he's a real leader, too. He is a good personality to have around the dressing room.'

Welbeck is an England youth international.

Wayne Rooney Bio

Perhaps England's best young player of the modern era, Rooney is adored at Manchester United. There reamins serious questions over his temperament - he blows a gasket at least three times a season - but his power, skill on the ball and awareness make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Once the teenage protege at Everton, he is now hated at Goodison for moving clubs so early in his career.

Rooney was reluctantly sold by the Toffees to United, ahead of interest from Newcastle, following Euro 2004 as he recovered from a broken foot suffered in the quarter-finals against Portugal.

And after bagging a hat-trick for United in his belated debut against Fenerbahce he became an instant hero.

A powerhouse performer, Rooney can put the fear of God into any defence he faces. With immense strength, a thunderbolt shot, pace and great vision he has the attributes to be the complete modern-day forward.

He was first brought into the Everton squad for the pre-season friendlies prior to the start of the 2002/03 season. And Rooney was a revelation - despite still being only a 16-year-old.

His Premiership debut came in a 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the 2002/03 season - and Rooney created the first goal for Mark Pembridge.

Rooney's first ever goal came in October against Arsenal. The Gunners were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 31 games when, in the last minute, Rooney superbly controlled a long ball from Thomas Gravesen, turned, and fired an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the crossbar to win the game for Everton. The stuff of legend.

That goal made him the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Premiership - although that record would be eclipsed within a few weeks by Leeds United's James Milner.

Rooney's success in his inaugural senior season continued at international level when he was fast-tracked into the England team - becoming the youngest player to represent his country when he made his debut against Australia in February 2003 at the age of 17.

He then went on to become England's youngest ever goalscorer when netting against Macedonia in a Euro 2004 qualifier in September 2003.

He was selected for Euro 2004, and became one of the stars of the tournament, filling column inches around Europe with his powerful and skillful displays showing maturity beyond his years.

His first goal against Switzerland made him the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history although, as in the Premiership, he lost that record within days to a Swiss player - Johan Vonlanthen.

Rooney's tournament ended in dismay against Portugal in the quarter-finals, when a seemingly innocuous challenge with Jorge Andrade resulted in the striker suffering an infamous metatarsal injury.

The broken foot ended the player's involvement in the 27th minute - an injury which would force him to miss the start of the 2004/05 Premiership season.

Rooney moved to Old Trafford four hours before the transfer deadline passed in August 2004, for a guaranteed fee of £20million. There was additional £7million on the fee, made up of Rooney's appearances for United and England, the length of his stay at the club and the performance of the Red Devils at home and in Europe.

His suspect temperament hit the headlines in November 2004 when he had to be substituted after a series of over the top challenges in an international friendly against Spain in Madrid.

In September 2005, Rooney received his first red card in United colours. Straight after being booked in a Champions League group game, again in Spain, at Villarreal the player clapped the decision in the ref's face. Out came the second yellow and Rooney was off.

Rooney again fell victim to the curse of the metatarsal at the end of the 2005/06 season at Chelsea. It became a race to be fit for the World Cup, a race he won yet was barely fit to play for his country. The lack of sharpness snapped that famous temper and he was sent off for what looked like an attempted castration of Portugal's Carvalho in the quarter-final.

Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the affair became infamous and overshadowed the beginning of the 2006/7 season, especially after Rooney was banned for being sent off in a pre-season match in Holland.

Rooney is certain to be vital to club and country for years to come. A true match-winner of the type every team craves, it is difficult to forget just how young he remains.

Though some believe Rooney should score more goals, his all-round ability makes him a certain starter when fit an of vital importance to any side his plays for.

Davide Petrucci Bio

Manchester United signed Petrucci from AS Roma in June 2008 in a transfer which angered the Italian side.

The striker had been prolific in Roma's youth side but opted to move to Old Trafford before signing a professional deal.

'It is a nightmare,' said newspaper Il Romanista. 'Manchester United have dealt us another low blow, stealing Petrucci from under our noses, probably the best product of our youth system. In three to four years, he will be worth 100 times as much.'

The compensation for the player is believed to be just £200,000.

The player has been compared to Francesco Totti.

Manucho Bio

Mateus Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves, better known as Manucho, signed for Manchester United in January 2008 from Petro Atlético.

A skillful attacking player who had caught the eye of United's scouts in Africa, Manucho was forced to go out on loan for the remainder of that season as he did not qualify for a UK work permit. He moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos, where he scored four goals in seven appearances.

The Angola international was granted his permit ahead of the 2008/09 Premier League campaign.

The player began his career with youth team Flamenguinhos before turning profressional with Benfica de Luanda in Angola. He then moved to Petro Atlético where he finally began to shine, scoring 31 goals in two seasons in 2006 and 2007.

Joining Panathinaikos in January 2008, he scored on his debut against Larissa.

He was part of the Angola squad at the 2008 African Cup opf Nations.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a contract.

"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos (Queiroz) has, was brought to our attention around six months ago."

He made his debut as an 84th minute replacement for Ryan Giggs in a 3-1 Carling Cup win at home to Middlesbrough.

Dimitar Berbatov Bio

Berbatov finally earned his dream move to Manchester United as the seconds ticked down to the transfer deadline on September 1 2008 after a summer-long transfer sage.

The Bulgarian international had been linked with the Red Devils for 18 months and by the time the 2007/08 season came to a close it had become clear he wanted to make the move. His stance angered his club, Tottenham Hotspur, who believed he was a disruptive influence at the start of the 2008/09 campaign. After appearing as a sub in the opener at Middlesbrough he was then dropped from the squad.

Tottenham felt Sir Alex Ferguson's pursuit of the striker broke league rules and reported United to the FA, but it was a complaint they would eventually drop when selling the player to the Premier League champions for £30.75million.

The Bulgarian's career began in Blagoevgrad with the team of Pirin, before moving to CSKA Sofia in 1998.

Registering a goal every other game, Berbatov won the national cup in 1999 before moving to Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he played in the final of the Champions League in 2002.

Earning his first national cap as an 18-year old against Greece, Berbatov is the star of the Bulgarian team.

Scoring over 40 goals in two seasons, Berbatov earned his move to Tottenham, which he duly completed in the summer of 2006, for £10.9 million - making him the most expensive Bulgarian in history. Berbatov scored his first Spurs goal on his home debut against Sheff Utd in August 2006.

Rightly hailed as one of the best players in the Premier League after his stunning debut season in 2006/07, Berbatov was named as one of the strikers of the season by his fellow professionals at the PFA awards.

His class, grace, passing and goalscoring ability made him a King of White Hart Lane after ending his first season with 23 goals in 49 appearances.

And the Bulgarian's exceptional form continued in his second term as he scored 23 goals in 52 appearances, including a superbly-taken penalty in the League Cup final in February.

One of the most coveted players in European football Berbatov was continually linked with moves to a host of leading clubs during the 2007/08 term and during the transfer window ahead of 2008/09 season a move to Manchester United seemed all-but certain until a disagreement over Spurs' £32million asking price scuppered the deal.

The move was resurrected on deadline day. Manchester City with their new millions tried to nip in and gazump their city rivals but Berbatov only ever wanted to move to one club and he finally got his wish.

Paul Scholes Bio

One of the most gifted players to ever grace the Premiership, Paul Scholes remains an effective performer. And his personal success in 2006/7 was made all the sweeter by the fact that his career had looked to be at an end.

Scholes' career was placed into doubt during 2005/06 when he was absent from the Manchester United team with an ongoing problem with his sight.

The former England international dropped out of the side just after Christmas and although the club initially denied press reports over his condition it was announced within a month that he would be out for the remainder of the season.

It was a disappointment for Scholes, who finally looked to be recapturing the form which had made him a shoe-in for the England team until he bowed out of the international arena after Euro 2004.

And his renaissance continued in 2007/08 as United won the Premier League and Champions League double.

Part of the famous FA Youth Cup winners of 1992, he made his League debut against Ipswich Town on September 24, 1994, scoring twice in a 3-2 defeat.

Scholes became a regular player during the 1994/95 term as Alex Ferguson blooded his 'fledglings' as United made a failed bid for the Double.

He started the 1995/96 season as a forward, in the absence of Eric Cantona, and his performances won the terrace title of 'Ginger Prince' to the Frenchman's 'King'.

Scholes was then converted into a central midfielder with licence to get in behind opposing defenders and formed an admirable partnership with Roy Keane.

The shy man of the Red Devils had no problem stepping up to international level. He scored on his England debut against Italy in 1997 and also netted against Tunisia during France '98.

Scholes was an integral part of United's Treble win in 1999, scoring the Reds' second goal in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United.

The 2000/01 season was perhaps his most consistent at United and he was voted Player of the Year by his United colleagues.

Euro 2004 proved to be the player's international swansong as, despite pleas from coach Sven Goran Eriksson, he decided to retire to concentrate on his club football as well as his family. He won 66 caps, scoring 14 goals.

Scholes bagged 13 goals in 2004/05 but failed to hit top form, though at the end of the term he penned a new contract to run until the summer of 2009.

But just as he appeared to be returning to form in 2005/06 he was hit by the eye problem which ended his season at Christmas.

He returned to the game renewed, forming a great partnership with Michael Carrick at the base of the midfield and scoring some trademark goals including a Christmas cracker against Aston Villa. Though he still can't tackle - he never could - he is still a vital cog at United.

Cristiano Ronaldo Bio

Manchester United will feel they pulled off one of the moves of the summer in keeping hold of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The midfielder felt the time was right to move on after winning the Champions League in May 2008, having achieved all he could in England. The player was desperate for a move to Real Madrid, but despite a continued chase by the Spanish giants Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm on the player's future - and in early August he confirmed he would remain at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was signed by Manchester United with the cash received from the sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid. And now he has become as big an idol as his predecessor.

After criticism for his over-elaboration, gamesmanship and tendency to disappear in games, it has all come together for the Portuguese star.

Goals, assists and lightning skills make him one of the most desired players in the world.

The right-sided winger wonder is another from the Sporting Lisbon production line, following the likes of Luis Figo and Joao Pinto into a big European move.

Ronaldo's talents had been hailed in his homeland for well over a decade - he was the subject of a transfer at the age at eight in his native island of Madeira.

On August 15, 2001 he was handed his Sporting debut as a 16-year-old against Second Division B side Atletico. His league debut saw him score twice in a 3-0 victory over Moreirense and then hit a late winner in a 2-1 defeat of Boavista.

He was soon to play a starring role for the Portuguese Under-17 side at the European Championships.

His two-footedness and ability to play on either wing or as a support striker made him the ideal candidate for Sir Alex. Sir Alex had been eyeing the player for a year when his hand was forced by interest from other leading European clubs in Real Madrid and Juventus into invoking United's close relationship with Sporting and splashed out £12.24m.

He made his United debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Bolton at Old Trafford. He replaced Nicky Butt just after the hour and produced a mesmerising performance. Three of United's goals came after the young star's introduction.

Ronaldo did struggle at times in the first half of the season as he adapted to life in England, but after the turn of the year really decided to turn on the style and starred in the FA Cup Final win over Millwall. He also dominated the Carling Cup Final of 2006 as Wigan were put to the sword in Cardiff.

His trademark footwork set the Premiership alight, and earned him a place in Portugal's squad for Euro 2004.

He found the back of the net in the semi-final against Holland, although their was heartbreak for the winger when Portugal lost in the final to Greece.

Along with Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo was one of the real stars of Euro 2004 - and he can only get better with age at Old Trafford.

He also starred at Germany 2006, despite a well publicised incident with Rooney which placed his future at United in doubt. But some well chosen words from Sir Alex kept him at United, and the rest is history.

Ronaldo was the dominant player as United won back the Premier League crown in 2006/07 as he finished second top scorer in the league and swept the individual awards board.

But the best was yet to come. In 2007/08 he was unstoppable, netted an unbelievable 42 goals - 31 of them in the Premier League - to secure back-to-back titles. He also scored United's goal in the Champions League final and although he missed in the penalty shootout the Red Devils would still be victorious over Chelsea in Moscow.

Ahead of Euro 2008, Ronaldo batted away questions about his future but it soon became clear he wished to move to the Bernabeu. By keeping hold of Ronaldo it may purely be delaying the inevitable, but Sir Alex can claim a huge moral victory over Real and their transfer market tactics.

He picked up an ankle injury which ruled him out of the start of 2008/09, but what a player to have waiting to return to fitness.

Rodrigo Possebon Bio

Brazilian midfielder Possebon was snapped up by Manchester United in January 2008, with his father's Italian links preventing the need for a passport.

He moved to the Premier League from Sporting Club Internacional in his homeland.

Possebon is described as a box-to-box midfielder who has a great engine.

The player was thrust into first team action at the start of the 2008/09 season, making his debut as a 63rd minute replacement for Ryan Giggs in a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United.

'Rodrigo is a tall, elegant midfielder who fits into the idea of a modern footballer,' reserve team boss Brian McClair told the Manchester Evening News. 'He has very good ability and is a steady box-to-box player rather than your silky tricky midfielder.

'Our scout in Brazil, John Calvert-Toulmin, who recommended our Brazilian full-back twins Fabio and Rafael Silva, spotted Rodrigo and we've been impressed.'

The player's performances with the first team on their pre-season travels earned him a first team break.

Ji-Sung Park Bio

Park Ji-Sung joined Manchester United in July 2005 for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4million.

The midfielder switched from PSV Eindhoven, where he had enjoyed a superb 2004/05. PSV won the Eredivisie title at a canter, ten points clear of Ajax Amsterdam, and lifted the Dutch Cup to secure the double.

And they also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before going out to AC Milan on the away goals rule - despite having the better of both legs.

This was all from a side that had been written off in the summer following the departure of several top names, including Mateja Kezman, Arjen Robben and Dennis Rommedahl.

Park was an instrumental figure in PSV's triumphs, injected energy and style into the side as they notched 89 goals in the league season.

The South Korea international is the epitome of a player from that region. Small, but full of running and a tricky customer.

Essentially a winger happy on either flank, he can also fill in at full-back if necessary.

He began his career in Japan with Kyoto Purple Sanga, winning the J-League's Second Division title in 2001 and the Emperor's Cup in 2003/04, before coming to the world's attention at the 2002 World Cup - co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

Park made his Korea debut against Mexico in 2000. He was then one of the nation's finest performers as Guus Hiddink guided the unfancied side to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup before they eventually finished fourth when losing a play-off with Turkey.

He went down in Korean folklore for scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the group stages, producing one of the tournament's many shocks.

Hiddink moved to PSV after his contract with Korea came to an end. And he brought two of his international heroes with him, with Park signing in December 2002. Lee Young-pyo joined at the same time.

PSV won Dutch league in 2002/03 with Park making eight appearances.

After a disappointing 2003/04, PSV then did the double with Park scoring seven goals in 28 matches. And he scored the opener in PSV's clash with AC Milan in Champions League semi-final.

Two years later he earned his dream move to the Premiership - but there was much scepticism. With Manchester United due to travel to the Far East on a pre-season tour some suggested the signing of Park was no more than a marketing exercise.

And Hiddink criticised Park for leaving PSV a year too early in his development.

Park would become the first South Korean to play in the Premiership.

He made his debut in a 3-0 home victory over Debreceni VSC in a Champions League qualifier.

Though clearly a player with much to learn about the English game, he became a useful performer - skillful on the ball, with flair and the vision to create opportunities.

He bagged his first ever goal as United beat Birmingham City in the Carling Cup quarter-finals in December. And has continued his penchant for the important strike, scoring seven goals in just 28 appearances of the 2006/7 campaign.

In the absence of Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo he became the ideal sub for either wing position and was sorely missed when a knee injury ended his campaign.

That knee injury kept him out of action until Boxing Day 2007 and once back to full fitness he proved to be one of United's most important players.

Popular with the terraces, Park has become a useful squad player for United.

Anderson Bio

In signing Anderson from FC Porto, Manchester United pulled off a transfer coup that surprised the football world.

Hailing from the same town and same first club as Ronaldinho, Anderson was born in Porto Alegre and began his career at Gremio, where he came through the youth team.

He only made five appearances for his hometown club before he was snapped up Portugese club Porto, making his debut for them in March 2006 and helping them secure their domestic title that season.

His 2006/7 season, which began with him impressing in a pre-season match against Manchester United, was hampered by a broken leg but he managed to appear in 15 games, scoring two goals, again picking up a league-winners' medal.

He joined United in a deal believed to be around £17m, and he secured a work permit to complete the move on July 2, 2007.

An attacking midfielder, who can play in a variety of positions, including left-back, he was bought to add versatility to Manchester United's attack.

He starred for his country at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament.

His full debut came for his country in the Copa America of 2007, when he came on as sub against Mexico.

He made his United debut in a 1-0 victory over Sunderland in September 2007 and soon became an important squad player for United as they took the Premier League and Champions League double. It marked a firm base on which he could build during his time in the English game.

Nani Bio

In signing a young Portugese winger, Sir Alex Ferguson was obviously hoping that lightning would strike twice.

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo will perhaps always follow the young man from the Cape Verde Islands, especially as Ronaldo preceded him at Sporting Lisbon.

He made his debut in the 2005/6 season, making 32 appearances and grabbing five goals. His second season was similarly successful, again scoring five, and making 29 appearances. Season 2006/7 also saw him make his Champions League bow.

His form for his club, and his country, for whom he made his debut in September 2006, saw him attract the attention of clubs across Europe before United stole a march on Spurs, widely believed to be his final destination, to sign him on a trip to Portugal in May 2007 that also saw chief exec David Gill sign Brazilian star Anderson.

Nani is believed to have cost £14m and celebrated his move by playing for his country's Under-21 team at the European championships.

Nani soon lit up the Premier League with some fine displays, even if he had to be content with a place on the bench most of the time. United fans will particularly remember his juggling antics in the FA Cup which frustrated a thumped Arsenal so much. They felt it was disrespectful.

With a Premier League title and a Champions League medal in his pocket after a debut season of 41 appearances and four goals.

He was part of the Portugal squad at Euro 2008, appearing three times as the nation went out in the quarter-finals.

With rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo's future in the summer of 2008 many United fans felt Nani was good enough to make the step up without the need to sign a replacement.

Sam Hewson Bio

Hewson is a highly regarded young player for Manchester United, shortlisted for the reserves' Player of the Year award in 2007/08 and a real positive influence on his fellow young stars.

The Bolton-born player is a creative midfielder who loves to get forward in support of the attack, but is also adept at stopping the opposition.

Owen Hargreaves Bio

At 26, Hargreaves finally got the chance to play in the Premier League, having made 39 appearances for England but never having played a game in English football.

He moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2007, and though his first few months at the club were dogged by injury he soon blossomed into a vital player, helping United to a Premier League/Champions League double in his debut season.

He was born in Canada and grew up an ice hockey fan but by virtue of his father coming from Bolton, Hargreaves was eligible to play for England. He could have played for Wales due to his mother's country of birth and by 2002 would have been eligible for Germany due to residential rights, having signed for Bayern Munich at 16 while impressing for his native Calgary.

But by then, Hargreaves had already committed to England and turned in some good displays for the Under 21 side before being elevated to the full squad for a friendly with Holland at White Hart Lane in August 2001.

Hargreaves had come of age at the end of the 2000/01 season when helping his club to the Champions League title and standing in for Stefan Effenberg in the semi-final.

He made his competitive debut as a substitute in England's 5-1 annihilation of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich, 2001 and grabbed a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad - playing against Sweden and Argentina before an injury ended his tournament.

Hargreaves also made it into the England squad for Euro 2004 but he was confined to his usual role of substitute.

In fact, by the time he was picked for the 2006 World Cup, he had become lampooned by many in England, due to Sven Goran Eriksson fielding him in strange and unfamiliar positions.

But once played in his rightful role as anchorman in the midfield he became the revelation of the tournament for England, as his team-mates flopped badly around him.

By the summer of 2006, he was a player much wanted by English clubs and Sir Alex Ferguson hoped to add him to midfield unit as a defensive midfielder they had been lacking since the departure of Roy Keane.

But Bayern played hardball for a player who had won four Bundesliga titles and three German cups in his seven seasons in Bavaria.

And it became a protracted saga that only ended when United paid the £17m that Bayern had asked in the first place. Hargreaves signed a four-year deal at United and got the chance to achieve his ambition of playing alongside his England colleagues in the Premier League.

He made his United debut in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, but featured only four times before November due to niggling injuries. Back to fitness, he proved to be a real asset. With controlled and intelligent displays, and a danger from set plays, Hargreaves looks to be another astute purchase for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ryan Giggs Bio

The Welsh Wizard looks likely to see out his career at United, having made his debut as a 17-year-old for the club against Everton in March 1991.

And an outstanding Old Trafford career hit new heights at the end of the 2007/08 season as he surpassed Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record as he played his 759th first-team game for United in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

He was actually christened Ryan Wilson before taking on his mother's maiden name.

Having been snatched from under the eyes of Manchester City, Giggs made his first league start in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in 1990/01 and scored the only goal of the match.

In 1991/92 he became first-choice left-winger at Old Trafford, winning every domestic trophy as the club swept all before during the 1990s.

One of the most talented players in world football, his main asset is his ability to use his skills at a top speed quicker than just about any defender in the game. He has also weighed in his fair share of important goals for Manchester United, including a wonder solo strike in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

The 1999/2000 season was probably his best in a glittering career and was rewarded with a new terrace anthem, "Giggs will tear you apart", sang to the tune of Joy Division's "Love will tear you apart". He followed that success in the following season.

Though 2001/02 was a curate's egg for Giggs, with the same old hamstring injury hampering him, he gave some match-winning performances, especially as an auxiliary forward supporting Ruud van Nistelrooy. He was rewarded by being in the PFA Team of the Season for the umpteenth time.

But the 2002/03 season saw Giggs suffer a loss of form and endure barracking from the United fans. Talk of a move to Inter Milan, who tracked him for some time, continued throughout the campaign.

His biggest error came in the FA Cup against Arsenal when the ball broke to him just outside the box. He shimmied round the goalkeeper and, with the goal at his mercy, somehow managed to fire over the bar with his right boot.

But his performances improved as United won the title.

The winger enjoyed a good season in 2003/04, although he suffered heartbreak with Wales who came so close to making it into the finals of Euro 2004, losing to Russia in the play-offs.

He picked up yet another FA Cup winners' medal that season, and weighed in with 8 goals.

After sorting out contract troubles he will now look to see out his playing days with United.

The pace may be waning but his skills remain.

Giggs started the 2006/7 season like a train and continued to be consistent throughout, though perhaps a little on the wane as the season drew to an end.

He gave up international football for Wales in June 2007, citing the fact that he wanted to continue at the top for his club as long as possible.

Another Premier League-Champions League double in 2007/08, coupled with his new appearance record, was a further triumph.

Whatever happens; Giggs will retire a United legend.

Darron Gibson Bio

Northern Ireland Under-21 international Gibon has been earmarked for great things for years by Manchester United.

He was spotted by scouts at the age of 14 and travelled over to Manchester for a trial on his 15th birthday, which was successful.

The Irishman said: 'I'd had trials with ten other clubs. Leeds, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Newcastle, Arsenal, Charlton and Leicester were among them. I had a choice between Leicester, Sunderland and Leeds before Manchester United came in.

'As soon as I knew I could sign for United that was it, there was no choice in the matter.'

He was handed his debut in October 2005 when replacing fellow youth star Lee Martin for the final 15 minutes of a 4-1 Carling Cup victory at home to Barnet.

However, that was the player's only United appearance before being loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers for the season in October 2007, where he played 24 matches - and bagged his first senior goal in a 2-3 home defeat to Burnley.

Gibson also spent 2006/07 out on loan at United's Belgian partners Royal Antwerp, where he came back with glowing reviews.

He is described as a powerful and athletic midfielder.

Darren Fletcher Bio

Though Fletcher comes in for criticism from some Manchester United fans he is now firmly established as a first-teamer.

Despite starting most of United's matches there is perhaps the belief that he is not up to the standard of those who have left Old Trafford. That said, he has often played a vital role when his more illustrious colleagues were injured or out-of-form. He has made a habit of performing well against the top sides, with his showing in United's 7-1 win over Roma in the quarter-final of the Champions League in 2007.

Once described by one United coach as a 'monster', Fletcher was considered to be such a prospect that Roy Keane tried to use his Irish roots as a means to turn him into a man in green. This was rebuffed and Fletcher committed himself to Scotland.

He made his debut in March 2003 in a 1-1 Champions League draw at home to FC Basle at the age of 19.

Fletcher enjoyed a highly impressive 2003/04, starting 17 Premiership games. Although he started out on the right in David Beckham's old role, he looked far more comfortable when deployed in a central position.

At the end of the season, after some stirring performances, he was named the new captain of Scotland despite being aged only 20.

Now a regular for both United and Scotland, he will be around in the Premier League for the next decade.

In October 2005, Fletcher earned a new contract to run until the summer of 2009. But that same season Fletcher was allegedly one of those who came in for fierce criticism by Keane during a canned interview for MUTV.

Fletcher's appearances were not particularly regular for United during their title win but he picked up his first league medal in 2006/7 - and another in 2008 when he again was less of a regular.

With his contract up at the end of 2008/09 it remains to be seen if he opts to move clubs to get first team football.

• Check out our archive story.

Michael Carrick Bio

Carrick's £17m move to Manchester United in the summer of 2006 was long-running and controversial but eventually United got their man and Tottenham Hotspur got their price.

And United appear to have got value for money as the England international has improved each season with United. Perhaps he needs to improve his goal ratio, though that is one of the few criticisms of this midfielder.

Iin Carrick, Sir Alex Ferguson had signed a playmaker who dovetailed well with the ageing legs of Paul Scholes. His quiet personality matches his unspectacular style but his distribution was invaluable to United's success in 2006/7. He even showed up with the odd goal.

Part of West Ham's legendary 1998/99 youth side, this young Geordie had an exceedingly bright future predicted for him as a kid.

He is also a former member of the famous Wallsend Boys Club, also attended by Alan Shearer, back in the north east.

Carrick has always been a steady player, capable of both a holding or forward role. His size means he is rarely brushed off the ball and his distribution has always received rave reviews.

He made a successful debut against Newcastle in 1999/2000 after impressing in loan spells with Swindon Town and Birmingham City.

Carrick broke into the Hammers' midfield at the start of the 2000/01 season.

He was a member of the England squad for the European Under-21 Championships in Slovakia and received the call up to the full squad from Sven Goran Eriksson for a friendly against Spain in February 2001 - although he did not take part in the game.

Carrick won his England debut in an international friendly against Mexico in May 2001, but has found competition for places in midfield very strong since then.

He was short-listed for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2001/02 and took Bobby Moore's famous number six shirt for the 2002/03 campaign.

But it was a season of woe for West Ham, as they struggled from the outset and were eventually relegated into the Nationwide League.

Despite rumours of an instant transfer back into the Premiership, Carrick remained at Upton Park for 2003/04.

He was one of the stars of the side which narrowly missed out on promotion, losing to Crystal Palace in the play-off final.

And as the 2004/05 season was about to begin a whole host of clubs moved in. At first it looked as thought Portsmouth would win the race, but late, surprising interest from Arsenal unsettled the player.

Arsenal soon pulled out of the race, and Carrick then turned down a move to Fratton Park. Pompey were furious, claiming that Arsenal's conduct had ruined any chance of him signing for them.

Eventually he chose to sign for Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £3.5million, signing a four-year contract. At Spurs he prospered under the tutelage of Martin Jol, who entrusted him with a deep-lying midfield role which made use of his passing ability and defensive qualities, which are based around his strong sense of positioning.

As Spurs pushed - unsuccessfully - for a Champions League place in 2005/6 Carrick was the star man. And he was rewarded with a place in England's World Cup squad in 2006, where he started the group game with Ecuador before being dropped for the quarter-final - some would say unjustly.

Sir Alex came knocking and Carrick made clear his intentions to join United. He got his wish. After a drawn-out transfer saga.

He made his United bow in a 3-0 Premier League win at Charlton Athletic and soon became an integral part of the side which won back-to-back Premier League crowns and the Champions League in 2008.

Nemanja Vidic Bio

Vidic joined Manchester United from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £7million, in January 2006.

Reports of an aggressive, uncompromising approach to his defending saw the player viewed as a Steve Bruce-type figure, able to bring the best out of £29.1million man Rio Ferdinand. And those reports proved correct as Ferdinand and Vidic dovetailed well after a shaky start to their partnership.

They are now considered to be the best central defensive partnership in the Premier League with Vidic a rock at the back and always a danger from set pieces.

Vidic had earned rave reviews for his part in a Serbia and Montenegro defensive effort that conceded just one goal on their way to the 2006 World Cup finals. And it was those performances which alerted Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Serbian is part of his national side's 'famous four' defence but he was unable to play a part in the 2006 finals themselves after a knee injury sustained in pre-tournament training.

He began his career with Red Star Belgrade before moving to Spartak in 2004.

Vidic made his Manchester United debut in a 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final victory over Blackburn Rovers. He collected a medal in the final of that tournament after coming on as sub.

But it was to be the following season where he became a fans' favourite.

A strongarm approach, great anticipation and an eye for goal, Vidic was a true star in United's championship of 2006/7. Indeed, a dislocated shoulder against Blackburn had many predicting trouble for United but they survived his absence though could have done with a fighting fit Vidic when a couple of errors handed AC Milan a place in the Champions League Final.

And he was again a collosus as United won the Premier League and Champions League double in 2007/08.

His terrace anthem, to the tune of Volare, refers to him coming from Serbia and the fact that he may well 'f**ing murder ya. Vidic has acknowledged the song but denied he is a killer.

John O'Shea Bio

After emerging into the first team as a player of immense promise, O'Shea is a fxiture in the Manchester United squad without ever reaching the standards of his first season as a first-teamer.

Able to play anywhere in defence as well as in a midfield holding role, he's a versatile customer who even starred as sub goalie as United punished Spurs 4-0 in February 2007.

O'Shea's bow came in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in October 1999.

The Irishman was then loaned out to Second Division side AFC Bournemouth in January 2000, making his debut in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Colchester United. His first ever goal came in a 3-1 defeat at Millwall.

He received rave reviews during his time at Bournemouth.

After featuring in only the League Cup game in the 2000/01 season, O'Shea moved to Belgian club Royal Antwerp on loan - the latest in a long line of United players to do so.

He made his full Republic of Ireland debut in August 2001 against Croatia but it wasn't to be a happy one as he put through his own net for the Croatians' equaliser in a two-goal comeback.

But Mick McCarthy refused to blame the player, choosing to take the rap for throwing him into a pressure situation.

He made his first start in a United shirt against West Ham United in December 2001 and despite a shock United defeat, 'Sheasy', as he's known in the United dressing room, marked himself as one for the future.

He continued to grow in stature in the 2002/03 campaign, the best season of his career, as he was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award before losing out to Jermaine Jenas.

Few could argue with the potential the young Irishman possessed as he helped United to regain the Premiership crown.

O'Shea's 2003/04 campaign was not as impressive, though he did pick up an FA Cup winners' medal.

He began to rediscover his form in 2004/05, but it was mainly from the bench as new signing Gabriel Heinze grabbed the left-back spot.

There was even speculation that O'Shea could leave Old Trafford but he insisted he was committed to the club.

And in October 2005 he signed a new, improved contract with the Red Devils to run until the summer of 2009.

In 2005/06 O'Shea found himself in a midfield role at times due to the exit of Roy Keane and injury to Alan Smith.

The arrival of Michael Carrick saw that role become less prominent but, with injuries hitting United's season, O'Shea was to play a vital role in their 2006/7 title win, including the winner as a sub at Liverpool and the first goal in United's title-sealing comeback at Everton. Such things have seen him recover some of the reputation he won during his superb first season.

He remains a vital squad player for Sir Alex Ferguson.