Gary Neville (Current) - In recent months, the current United captain has spent more time on the treatment table than leading his side out on the pitch. Neville is the first Devils captain from Greater Manchester since Munich Disaster victim Roger Byrne in 1956. His one full season with the armband saw United hold off Chelsea to reclaim the Premier League crown after a four-year gap.

Roy Keane (1997-2005) - Hailed as one of the greatest players ever to grace the modern game, Keane’s passion and raw determination to succeed made him one of United’s most successful captain’s of the post-war era, bringing United a long period of unprecedented success. Keane was handed the armband by Ferguson after Eric Cantona announced his shock retirement in the summer of 1997.

Eric Cantona (1996-97) - A controversial character at the best of times, Cantona was unexpectedly thrown the armband at the start of the 1996-1997 season, making him the first permanent United captain from outside the British Isles. In 2001 he was voted as the Red Devils player of the century, and is still regarded on the terraces as “King Eric”.

Steve Bruce (1994-96) - “Brucey” began his career with Gillingham before making his way to United via Norwich City. He served as co-captain with Bryan Robson between 1991 and 1994 and took over the role himself when Robson retired in 1994. He captained United solely for two years, winning a Premier League title during his tenure.

Bryan Robson (1982-1994) - Serving for 12 years, Robson is United’s longest serving captain of all time. He made 90 appearances for the England national team and is regarded as one of United’s best ever players. His 345 appearances for the Old Trafford side is not enough to portray his commitment to The Devils, and that number would have been far more had it not been for numerous injury problems.

Sammy McIlroy (1979-1982) - The last youth player to be signed by Sir Matt Busby, MacIlroy was the very last of The Busby Babes. For the first few years of his United career he was unable to hold down a regular first team slot, and it wasn’t until he dropped back into the midfield that he started to play regularly and eventually took over the armband.

Martin Buchan (1973-79) - Hardly a year after the former Aberdeen captain signed for United, Buchan was given The Red Devil’s captaincy by boss Tommy Docherty. Buchan is the only player to captain both Scottish and English FA Cup winning sides (Aberdeen, 1970; Manchester United, 1977). He played in 456 career games, scoring 4 goals.

Bobby Charlton CBE (1967-1973) - Bobby began to play for United's first team in 1956, and two years later he survived the Munich air disaster of 1958. After helping United to win The Football League in 1965, he won a World Cup medal with England in. In 1968, he captained the United team that won The European Cup, scoring two goals in the final to help his team become the first English side to win the competition. He made more appearances for Manchester United and England than any other player.

Noel Cantwell (1962-67) - Cantwell was appointed United’s captain by Sir Matt Busby two years after he joined from West Ham United in 1960. He was also captain of his country, Republic of Ireland, on ten occasions. His death in 2005 was marked by a minute’s silence and black armbands in Premier League games.

Bill Foulkes (1958-1962) - Munich survivor Bill Foulkes played in the Busby Babes teams of the 1950s, and in the 60s teams of Matt Busby. For Manchester United, he played 679 games, third to Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs. He started in every single United game in the seasons 1957-58, 1959-60, 1963-64 and 1964-65. He helped the club win four First Division titles, one FA Cup and one European Cup. Despite this, he was capped only once for England in 1955.