Rooney vs Solkjaer - Who's the biggest club legend?

[Eddy_JukeZ]

The people criticizing Rooney for his complaint about our transfers and ambition are the people who had the same critiques as Rooney did.

He was right then and he's still right a decade later.

We sold Ronaldo and seemed content with not buying world class players that summer when we were still one of the top dogs in Europe.

And Rooney never did leave during his prime. Ronaldo made a comment how he was a slave while at the club. He left while we were miles better than Real. I don't know how some(not in this thread but in general) can claim Ronaldo's a bigger legend for United than Rooney.

 

[LARulz]

Rooney but I have more affection for Ole.

This I think is the answer for most

 

[AFC NimbleThumb]

This post is an insult.

 

[El Jefe]

Rooney had a much bigger impact and was a far better player that's not in doubt but Ole is a bigger legend for me.

I just feels fans have a greater affinity for Ole. Rooney broke Sir Bobby's record but he's still nowhere close to being as big of a legend as SBC.

I feel like being a United legend is about your story as well as what you do on the pitch. There's no real romance to Rooney's story outside of his debut. Eric, Class of 92, Sir Bobby, Keane all had great stories to go along with their performances. Ole was the same IMO.

 

[BehemothTerror]

Rooney at the moment for purely on the pitch achievements, however if Ole can get us some silverware and more importantly unquestionably reverse the post Sir Alex decline it'll be him. Still afew years off knowing for sure if Ole can/will do that though

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Rooney.

He's also a very underappreciated footballer in general.

 

[Icemav]

Sorry pointless question.

 

[Green_Red]

Rooney

 

[RashyForPM]

Rooney is the club’s highest ever goalscorer. He has more goals than Sir Bobby, Ronaldo, Ole himself, Law, Best, Cole, Yorke, RVN and more. I genuinely could not care less what he did to us over contracts as he’s entitled to fight his corner. Even so, he remained loyal and stayed every time. Besides, him in tandem with Ronaldo, Tevez and even Berbatov during imo the best spell in our history over 06-09 was something close to footballing perfection.

I love Ole and have not wanted a manager to succeed as much as him since Fergie retired, and he did score the winner in 99, but for me, he does not even compare to Rooney. In fact, this is controversial due to the aforementioned contractual issues whenever it was renewal time, but I rank Rooney up there with Giggs, Scholes, Sir Bobby, Best, Edwards and Robbo in my list of United legends. He was absolutely sensational to watch.

 

[RedBanker]

Y'all say Rooney now, but in 80 years when Ole has won 3 trebles...

Rectified it for ya!

 

[Jam]

It feels bad to say this is a stupid question; because that does a disservice to Ole.

Ole was an important player in that squad for a long time, won it all and made massive contributions. He always fit, he simply understood United and was a fan favourite. He left a fantastic legacy as a player, and I hope he expands that legacy as manager.

But Rooney is the club’s all time top goal scorer and one of the, if not the first name on the team sheet for almost his entire spell with us. For a long time he was one of the world’s best, and also won it all with us as an integral player. His legacy is somewhat tainted by his transfer requests and his performances declining towards the end (and not being dropped or adapted, which is the fault of the managers predominantly.) Even with those in consideration his contribution to the club’s history still stands tall over Ole.

With all due respect to 20legend, Rooney comfortably is a bigger figure in the club’s history.

 

[ti vu]

What I see is Ole status is more of a cult hero, than a true legend.

He got that iconic goal, and contributed here and there during his time with us; but I doubt anyone would tell their kids to aspire to be a super sub, only waiting for right moment to shine (leaving a lot to fate)! He ain't someone whose career leave an impression on opposition fanbases either respect or pure hatred.

While longevity, loyalty may play a part when comparing legend of same status, it's not a wildcard for someone from lower status to overtake another. Ronaldo is hell of a special legend. How many players being recognized world wide as best player in the world in a season when playing with us? Even if he was bigger legend for Real Madrid, his time with us is stuff of aspiration, a legend.

 

[CG1010]

As players there is no debate. But overall, Ole isn't done yet

 

[Champagne Football]

Ole never disrespected the club.

Rooney was a better player, but I go with Ole

 

[Jim Beam]

In terms of club "legends" which is a term often explained and defined by very subjective and irrational thinking Ole is ahead of Rooney for me.
Rooney was obviously a far better player, even very underrated one considering his peak and achievements here, but as a club legend Ole goes into that top 5 group during my lifetime along with Cantona, Keane, Scholes and Robson.

 

[lysglimt]

If OGS wins a league title or two as manager....him

Unless - Rooney of course

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

In terms of club "legends" which is a term often explained and defined by very subjective and irrational thinking Ole is ahead of Rooney for me.
Rooney was obviously a far better player, even very underrated one considering his peak and achievements here, but as a club legend Ole goes into that top 5 group during my lifetime along with Cantona, Keane, Scholes and Robson.

Why is Ole ahead of Giggs?

 

[Jim Beam]

Why is Ole ahead of Giggs?

You could have a plausible argument there for xy players not just Giggs, but as I said it is all pretty subjective. Some people will put players achievements and records ahead while others won't held it that highly in such rankings. Ole's football career was always stuff of legends for me and very likely a bit influenced by people's focus on clubs star players and pure numbers. Even bit of a hipster choice in that sense, but he is still the only player along with Cantona whose name I have on the back of United shirt.

Giggs is a very fair question when you count all the ingredients that people love about Ole and then on top you put achievements, records and ability. But to be perfectly honest (as all is very subjective) I can't get pass that unique personal factor when I think about Giggs.

Just to conclude, I can make a clear distinction between Ole the player and Ole the manager though and his club career shouldn't bear much or any weight when judging Ole as a manager of this club.

 

[red4ever 79]

Giggs vs Young?

Ronaldo vs Bellion

 

[devilish]

Rooney was by far the better player and he was key to our success. Ole was more professional and loyal to our cause.

 

[red4ever 79]

Giggs must be in your top 5.

Been following Utd since 87 and in my top 5, based in no particular order I would have
Robson
Giggs
Keane
Scholes
Cantona

 

[Lam]

Rooney for quality of player, impact on the field and achievements. That said he wanted to force a transfer by going public which diminished his status at the club.

Ole had a perfect record and hardly put a foot wrong.

Rooney stood for the standards we set on the field while Ole set the standards for values we strive for as a club.

Out of curiosity, where does Carrick stand with respect to these two? He won many medals as a key player in the team as Rooney? Represented the club in the right way like Ole?

 

[Raees]

Silly comparison, it’s like taking a lamb in a cage to fight a lion.

 

[RedRonaldo]

Of course Rooney



"He is a legend"

 

[devilish]

Been following Utd since 87 and in my top 5, based in no particular order I would have
Robson
Giggs
Keane
Scholes
Cantona

My top 5 legends (players) are (in that order)

1- Harry Gregg. What he did during the Munich crash is Marvel super hero level. Gregg was not just a football legend. He's a legend as a person as well.
2- Sir Bobby Charlton. He was/is classy off and on the pitch. He's the blueprint of what a United legend should be.
3- Paul Scholes. A fantastic player who kept reinventing himself to remain relevant with us. He also came out of retirement so we could win our EPL title. The guy didn't even bother hiring an agent.
4- Ryan Giggs. The club's most decorated player. He refused blank cheques from Inter to stay with us
5- Eric Cantona. He was a great captain, his work ethic was infectious and he was of great influence not only to the first team but also to the youths.

 

[Nevilles.Wear.Prada]

Ole is likeable but rooney is indisputable.

 

[Sultan]

Rooney obviously from a footballing perspective. Ole is adored by the fans not necessarily for his footballing achievements but his professionalism, love for the club and as a very decent human being.

 

[devilish]

I think what Giggs had done to this club is ridiculously underrated. Let's ignore his achievements for once. After all they speak for themselves.

Giggs was a true professional. He became a star at a young age at a time when the pub club mentality was still alive and kicking and when players were still not being properly protected from the media. Instead of shitting his career away like other players did, he focused on his career only to become a top top winger everyone feared. When his pace started to wane he reinvented himself as a top quality midfielder, a monstrous effort for a player of his age, that very few players are capable to do. His longevity is testament of how seriously he took his career.

Most players put nation ahead of club. Giggsie is not one of them. We all know that he always placed United ahead of anything football related. Some cynics might say that he did so because he cared more about money then his nation. That's silly considering that Moratti offered him a blank cheque to join Inter only for Ryan to turn it down.

Giggs is 'cursed' for playing at a time when United shitted legends out of Lulz. He played with the likes of Gaz and Scholes who also gave United all they got and they weren't cursed with Gigg's unique vice which have absolutely nothing to do with football. I find it ridiculous that people are ready to point out at a vice that hasn't impact his football performance whatsoever while still applauding the likes of Keane, Robson and Best whose vices did impact their performance with us.

 

[Jim Beam]

I think what Giggs had done to this club is ridiculously underrated. Let's ignore his achievements for once. After all they speak for themselves.

Giggs was a true professional. He became a star at a young age at a time when the pub club mentality was still alive and kicking and when players were still not being properly protected from the media. Instead of shitting his career away like other players did, he focused on his career only to become a top top winger everyone feared. When his pace started to wane he reinvented himself as a top quality midfielder, a monstrous effort for a player of his age, that very few players are capable to do. His longevity is testament of how seriously he took his career.

Most players put nation ahead of club. Giggsie is not one of them. We all know that he always placed United ahead of anything football related. Some cynics might say that he did so because he cared more about money then his nation. That's silly considering that Moratti offered him a blank cheque to join Inter only for Ryan to turn it down.

Giggs is 'cursed' for playing at a time when United shitted legends out of Lulz. He played with the likes of Gaz and Scholes who also gave United all they got and they weren't cursed with Gigg's unique vice which have absolutely nothing to do with football. I find it ridiculous that people are ready to point out at a vice that hasn't impact his football performance whatsoever while still applauding the likes of Keane, Robson and Best whose vices did impact their performance with us.

I pretty much agree with everything you said here.
And think am more pissed with myself at this point that I can't get that "thing" out of my head or that it has influence when judging him.

 

[keithsingleton]

Not sure about this thread. I mean isn't Rooney the clubs record ever goalscorer or something? Might kinda swing it.

Me too. It's kinder like asking who's the best in Gary Neville & Phil Neville

I've even wasted a post in answering it so more fool me.
Ole would never take his place even if Ole went on to win the CL & Premier league in same season, simply because what you do on the pitch then as a manager are two seprate things.

 

[SambaBoy]

Better player is an easy question.

More of a club legend is closer, and it''s probably Solskjaer.

 

[Buster15]

Neither.
Ole was ok and tends to be remembered for the CL winner. But not much more than an average striker/super sub.

At least Rooney achieved legend status for his goal scoring record. Both club and country.

But neither are anywhere near the biggest legend status.
That would be any of the following:
Busby
Ferguson
Charlton
Best
Cantona
Keane
Giggs
And the Munich disaster squad.

 

[red4ever 79]

My top 5 legends (players) are (in that order)

1- Harry Gregg. What he did during the Munich crash is Marvel super hero level. Gregg was not just a football legend. He's a legend as a person as well.
2- Sir Bobby Charlton. He was/is classy off and on the pitch. He's the blueprint of what a United legend should be.
3- Paul Scholes. A fantastic player who kept reinventing himself to remain relevant with us. He also came out of retirement so we could win our EPL title. The guy didn't even bother hiring an agent.
4- Ryan Giggs. The club's most decorated player. He refused blank cheques from Inter to stay with us
5- Eric Cantona. He was a great captain, his work ethic was infectious and he was of great influence not only to the first team but also to the youths.

Bought his own boots before that game also!

 

[devilish]

I pretty much agree with everything you said here.
And think am more pissed with myself at this point that I can't get that "thing" out of my head or that it has influence when judging him.

What Giggs had done to his brother is disgusting and will always haunt him. To make matters worse for him his brother made it pretty obvious that he would milk this scandal to the fullest. So that pretty much ruins Ryan's chances for a top job. No top club would want to risk having their manager being ridiculed that way.

However while we can never give Ryan the top job we cannot forget what he did for us as a player either. Honestly I think Ryan is a sex addict which is a shame as it had dented the hard work done for the past 30 years

 

[Devil81]

To me a club legend always shows respect for the club as well as achieving greatness on the field.

Ole scored the most important and memorable goal in the clubs history and many more important late goals. To me he's a symbol of what you can achieve without being the main man, he never let the club down and scored some of the most significant goals in memory. He did all this without transfer requests, without spitting his dummy out about being in the bench more than he'd like.

Rooney may very well be the the record goalscorer and the better player, but he will never be as loved as Ole from any fan from my generation of supporters. Two transfer requests to force contract talks have taken the shine off his time at United, he disrespected the club.

So for me, the bigger Legend is Ole by some distance as well.

 

[Lam]

Scholes in my view is the ideal one you’d want. Came through the academy, quite possibly the best in his generation from the country, kept reinventing himself to save the club massive transfer fees, kept performing at a very high level, no agent, no contract issues, and came back like the Undertaker to win that game against City

If he was even slightly bothered about PR and put in some effort in public, he would have been a bigger pull than Giggs.

I hope we get a good bunch like 90s with Greenwood, Mctominay, Rashford, etc. Especially between Rash and Greenwood, we are potentially looking at two academy players surpassing Rooney. I’m surprised we have not been able to produce good defenders in the recent past. Fergie used to get loads of players through the academy in defence- Neville brothers, JOS, Brown, Evans, Da Silva twins (counted?), Pique (counted?) all played a significant part in the last 10 years of his management.

 

[Crustanoid]

If you had to bring one club legend from each of these choices back, who would it be:

GKs: Taibi vs Carroll vs LIndegaard?
Defs: Buttner vs May vs Jones?
Mids: Kleberson vs Djemba vs Miller?
Fwds: Dong vs Bebe vs Manucho?

 

[cyberman]

Its Rooney. Saying which you like better is a different question.
Plus this forum has a strange hatred of Wayne.

 

[Bebestation]

Why is Rooney flirting or being tempted by other clubs during a contract period such a bad thing exactly?

I see it happen to club legends of clubs in italy spain and Germany - just to vanish when everything is sorted again by a contract.

He was arguably one of the only players worth buying from us that hadn't already been sold before.

Rooney all the way - everyone crying about how we dont win PL's atm - Rooney was a significant part of every single campaign.

 

[Garethw]

II this a genuine question? Rooney.