Manchester United Fans' 10 Most Hated Footballers

Manchester United is arguably the world's most popular and followed sports franchise. It is a team that not only continues to mesmerize spectators by their victories on the pitch, but also boasts a roster of some very established and iconic players, both past and present.

Legendary players such as George Best, Roy Keane and Peter Schmeichel continue to live on in the hearts of supporters even past their retirement. Other like Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and even the departed Cristiano Ronaldo have already achieved cult-like status, despite being a fair way away from hanging up their boots.

But what about players who Manchester United fans hate? Players who, either in the recent or historic past, have stunted the Red Devils' already impressive trophy collection by way of some very impressive displays or crucial goals? What of those individuals Manchester United fans world over absolutely detest in unison?

Here is a slideshow listing some of those players. 

Go crazy!

Samuel Eto'o

Some may find it odd that a player who only scored once against Manchester United should be included in a list comprising the Red Devils fans' most hated players.

However, it was Samuel Eto'o's early goal that arguably set the pace and destroyed any momentum Manchester United seemed to have during their UEFA Champions League finals clash with Barcelona in 2009. The goal, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, was scored by Eto'o when the Cameroonian forward blitzed passed his man and toe-poked the ball neatly into the net. 

Manchester United never recovered from that and went on to lose the game 2-0.

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry's addition to this list is one needing little or no justification.

The French hitman scored some extremely impressive goals against Manchester United, including "that goal" at Highburry in 1999, where he lifted a rolling ball and knocked it into Barthez's net, all in one motion. 

Arsenal's title challenges during Arsene Wenger's earlier years also coincided with Henry's ascent to worldwide footballing prominence, as the Gunner's mercurial striker continuously finished top scorer in England, ultimately causing some nervous times at Old Trafford.

All the above, and maybe his spars versus Red Devil Ruud van Nistelrooy for the league's Golden Boot Award grants Henry a spot on our list.

Yaya Toure

Last season, Manchester United fans were hoping to emulate their historic treble-winning season (1999), as they found themselves, at least till April, in the running for the English Premier League title, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

That was until Ivorian Yaya Toure scored the FA Cup semi-final's only goal and in the process helped Manchester City eliminate their bitter neighbours and district rivals, Manchester United.

In all, a season that could have been so much more, ended in relative disappointment, partly due to Toure, as the Red Devils' dream of a Treble was quashed in a single moment by that man.

Patrick Vieira

When a football fan thinks of bitter, entertaining individual rivalries of the modern English Premier League era, it's hard not to give some time to Roy Keane versus Patrick Vieira.

Both captains of their respective clubs, Keane and Vieira seemed unable to stand the sight of one another. From on-pitch incidents involving some throat grabbing and kung-fu kicking, to the infamous tunnel bust-up, the pair was simply a match made in heaven.

It's Vieira's fights with Keane, coupled with the fact that he was the Gunners' captain during a time when Arsenal seemed to continuously threaten Manchester United in the league, earns him a place on this list.

Paul Gascoigne

Back in 1998, 21-year-old rising star-sensation Paul Gascoigne, then at Newcastle, promised Sir Alex Ferguson of his intention of signing with Manchester United by the end of that summer's transfer window. What followed included the Red Devils' manager's vacation, a late bid from Tottenham Hotspur—reportedly involving a house—and treachery from the young English midfielder.

The rest though is history. Gascoigne went on to have a successful career at the North London club, winning an FA Cup in the process.  The end result—a fuming Sir Alex and a distraught fanbase left ruing their missed opportunity, all the while pondering "what if...?"

Kaka

Mention Kaka's name in front of any Manchester United fan, and you'll likely remind them of the UEFA Champions League semi-final—both legs—when the Brazilian seemed to have single-handedly knocked the Red Devils out of the tournament. 

Though AC Milan went on to win the competition, the real nail in the coffin was that Kaka's brilliant performance ultimately prevented the Red Devils from playing and possibly beating bitter rivals Liverpool in the finals.

Steve Gerrard

Not for all the goals he scored against them (though it does play a small part), nor for all the captivating performances. Steven Gerrard makes the list simply for being arch-rival Liverpool's pride and glory, crown jewel and legendary captain.

Steven Gerrard may now be at the tail end of his career, with his playing abilities having now often been questioned. But one fact that's never contested is his villain-like status among Manchester United circles throughout the world.

Alan Shearer

Few players would have the audacity to snub a move to a European giant. No player could probably ever reject a move to Manchester Unite. Only Alan Shearer has done all the above. Twice.

That's right. The Tyneside legend was presented the opportunity to join European powerhouse Manchester United on two occasions; the first involved a snubbing and subsequent transfer to Blackburn in 1992, the second, four years later, involved choosing boyhood club Newcastle United over the Red Devils.

The rest is history, as Alan Shearer went on to become one of the English Premier League's greatest players of all time by scoring the most ever top-flight league goals, leaving Manchester United fans to once again rue what could have been.

Lionel Messi

The little Argentine wizard's inclusion in this list is truly a no brainer. Lionel Messi has firmly managed to establish himself as one of the most hated players by Manchester United fans simply because he's scored against them in two successive UEFA Champions League finals.

The first goal, scored in 2009 at the Stadio Olimpico, an unorthodox yet impressive header. The second, scored at Wembley was an absolute beauty, as he skinned one player before stepping forward and smacking the ball far into the corner, leaving van der Sar and the rest of the United faithful in a state of bitter deja vu. 

His individual spars and comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, along with the above points, makes him a hated player within most Manchester United circles.

Carlos Tevez

Join Manchester United in the midst of great hype: [✓]

Play impressively for the club, score lots of goals: [✓]

Become a fan favourite: [✓]

Pledge your undying alleigance to the club: [  ]

Vow to never join another domestic team if transferred, especially not Manchester City: [  ] 

Go on to become club legend: [  ] 

I'm not even gonna bother explaining this one. 

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