Ryan Giggs' gloriously successful career has been underpinned by an unyielding desire to keep on winning trophies - and he's got more than any other player in the club's history, 20 major honours to be exact.

Not only that, he is also United's record appearance-maker having surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's previous record (of 758) on the night he helped the Reds secure a third European Cup triumph and the second of his career.

He may be United's most decorated player, but he might never have graced Old Trafford had it not been for Sir Alex Ferguson’s intervention. Cardiff-born Giggs was attending Manchester City's School of Excellence in his early teens, but Sir Alex made a personal visit to his house on his 14th birthday and Ryan jumped at the chance to sign for his boyhood club.

He turned professional at United in November 1990. He made his League debut in the old Division One against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991 as a substitute for Denis Irwin. The following season his first League start proved a memorable occasion, scoring his first ever United goal (albeit via a huge deflection off Colin Hendry) in a 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Injury to Lee Sharpe enabled Giggs to pin down a regular place at the start of the 1991/92 campaign, thanks to his mesmerising dribbling skills and blistering pace. His first trophy arrived in November 1991 as United beat Red Star Belgrade in the European Super Cup final - Giggs was a 71st minute substitute for Lee Martin. The Welshman picked up his second winners' medal of the campaign five months later as the Reds claimed League Cup final victory over Nottingham Forest. The following season saw Giggs claim the first of his record ten Premier League winners’ medals.

His impressive trophy haul also contains an Inter-Continental Cup and seven Community Shield winners’ medals, while he has played a part in four of Sir Alex Ferguson's five FA Cup triumphs. The prestigious cup competition will forever be synonymous with the Reds winger after his superb solo effort in the semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park in April 1999.

Ryan celebrated 10 years at Old Trafford with a testimonial match against Celtic in 2001/02. A year later he bagged his 100th career goal in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and became only the second ever player to play 700 games for United when he helped the Reds to a dramatic 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield in March 2007.

The Welshman played an integral role in United's 2006/07 and 2007/08 title-winning seasons and was lauded by players and pundits alike.

Having retired from international football in June 2007 with 64 caps and 12 goals, Giggs was promptly honoured again - this time with an OBE as he was included in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to football. The United winger signed a contract extension in October 2007 which will keep him at the club until at least June 2009.

Giggs, who netted his 100th league career goal in the 4-0 win over Derby in December 2007, crowned his 18th season with the Reds by scoring United's second goal in the final day win at Wigan to confirm their tenth Premier League title - their 17th overall - before slotting home the decisive penalty in the dramatic shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow.

After a long lay-off due to cruciate ligament injury, Ben Foster finally made his debut for the first team on 15 March 2008 in the Reds' 1-0 win over a spirited Derby County.

After the match, Foster said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m delighted to get the win and keep a clean sheet. I’m quite happy with my performance, too.”

He had every reason to be pleased with himself, twice thwarting Derby marksman Kenny Miller in two crazy minutes before the interval.

That baptism augured well for the custodian, who had been touted as Edwin van der Sar’s chief understudy and a genuine future contender for the England No.1 jersey before disaster struck in May 2007 and a cruciate ligament injury forced Foster onto the operating table.

The goalkeeper arrived at Old Trafford after catching Sir Alex Ferguson's eye while on loan at Wrexham from Stoke City. Foster was eventually prised away from the Potters – without ever playing for the first team – for an undisclosed fee in July 2005. He's never been one to stay in a place too long, with five loan spells in three years at the Britannia Stadium, and that precedent continued after his move to Old Trafford.

After just one-and-a-half pre-season friendlies for United's Reserves, Ben was farmed out to Watford on a season-long loan. Although tipped by many for relegation, the Hornets had a stunning campaign, thanks in no small part to Foster's performances. Aidy Boothroyd's side returned to the Premier League after beating Leeds in the Championship Play-offs final. For the second year running Foster kept a clean sheet at the Millennium Stadium as Watford won 3-0.

Foster was a surprise call-up to the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad. Although Ben's presence wasn't required in Germany, his international bow wasn't long in coming as a superb second loan season at Watford earned him a start – ironically at Old Trafford – in England's friendly with Spain in February 2007.

Steve McClaren's side lost 1-0, but Foster's noteworthy display was in keeping with his fine form throughout the 2006/07 season at Vicarage Road. Although he couldn't prevent the Hornets' relegation, Foster emerged as one of the great young hopes for club and country.

He will be aiming to continue his development this season as he fights for his chance between the posts.

Ji-sung Park was something of a lucky charm for the Reds during the 2007/08 double-winning campaign. In the 14 games he started in all competitions, United were unbeaten and conceded only two goals.

After missing the first half of the season whilst he recovered from the cartilage problems which cut short his first title-winning campaign in 2006/07, Park returned to action in the Boxing Day win at Sunderland. He netted his first, and only, goal of the season at Craven Cottage in March 2008, powerfully heading home United's second goal in a 3-0 victory. But it was his battling display in the Champions League semi-final, second leg against Barcelona which really caught the eye. He ran nearly 12km on the night and never stopped grafting for 90 minutes. It was a typical energy-filled performance from the South Korean who has become something of a cult hero since his arrival from PSV in the summer of 2005.

Born in Seoul, raised in Suwon just outside South Korea’s capital, Park left school at 18 to join Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga. His potential to make the leap from Asia to Europe was spotted by Guus Hiddink, who coached the South Korea during their successful run to the World Cup semi finals in 2002. Later that year, Park followed Hiddink to PSV.

Ji earned widespread recognition in 2005 after scoring against Milan in the Champions League semi finals, but he had gradually been building his reputation in Holland. Park played only a fleeting part in PSV’s title success in his first season in Holland. Two years later he had fully adapted to European football and was an integral component of the side that clinched Holland's League and Cup Double.

Alerted to his blossoming talent, Sir Alex had Park watched more than 20 times before finally signing him for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £4million, in June 2005. Having already proved his ability in Europe, acclimatising to the Premiership was Park’s initial test. He rose to the challenge, playing all but four of United’s Premiership matches in 2005/06. He scored his first goal for the club with a fine strike in the 3-1 away win over Birmingham in December 2005, and claimed his first medal in the Carling Cup final win in February.

He added two Premier League winners' medals in 2007 and 2008 and, although he was left out of Sir Alex's 18-man squad for the Champions League final, he played his part in helping the Reds secure European glory with fine displays against Roma and Barcelona.

Nemanja Vidic was oustanding during 2007/08, a campaign in which the Serbian's partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Reds' defence was key to United's double success.

As if to emphasise the fact, Vidic turned in a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final, keeping a tight reign on Chelsea dangerman Didier Drogba; the Ivorian hitman only had one meaningful shot on goal during a tense night in Moscow.

Against the "big four" sides, Vidic helped United keep clean sheets against Chelsea and Liverpool on their league visits to Old Trafford, and against Arsenal in the FA Cup. His fellow professionals recognised his talent, too, naming him in the PFA team of the year for the second successive season.

Tall, athletic and solid as a rock, Vida is uncompromising in the tackle and formidable in the air. He began his career with boyhood club Red Star Belgrade, joining their youth programme at 14. His first-team debut didn't arrive until 2001 but he went on to make 22 appearances in his first season.

He eventually ended his stay with Red Star by leading them to Serbia's domestic league and cup double before switching to Russian outfit Spartak Moscow in August 2004. Just 39 games and four goals later, United came calling.

The Reds announced his signing on Christmas Day, 2005. He hadn’t played for two months as the Russian season had recently ended, so it took time for his true ability to shine. But after completing an intensive training programme, Vida began to show his class.

A collar-bone injury sustained at the end of March 2007 kept Vidic out of the bulk of United's title run-in that season, but his performances until that point had been strong enough to help the Reds to the top of the league. His play also inspired a rousing song of his own among the matchgoing faithful.

The Serbian’s impressive performances continued and earned him a contract extension in 2007 to keep him at the club until 2012.

He said of the improved deal: “Playing in this team is a great privilege. This is such a great club, I am delighted to be able to extend my stay here. The fans and everyone at the club have been very special to me. I hope I can do my bit to bring the club even more trophies in the years ahead.”

True to his word, he did just that.

It’s amazing to think Michael Carrick had his detractors at the start of his United career, with some grumblings about his transfer fee - £14m rising to £18.6m with add-ons.

Even after his debut 2006/07 season, in which he carved out a formidable partnership with Paul Scholes as the Reds reclaimed the title, some people predicted he’d slip down the pecking order after the arrival of Owen Hargreaves. But not a bit of it. Carrick has become ever more important to United, maturing into one of English football's most sophisticated and classy passing midfielders.

The first of Carrick's two league titles with United to date was also the first major honour of his professional career, although he did win the FA Youth Cup with West Ham in 1999, scoring twice in the 9-0 final demolition of Coventry City.

West Ham loaned Carrick out to Swindon in 1999/2000 and then Birmingham in 2000/01 when he earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year, eventually won by Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Carrick spent much of the 2002/03 season sidelined with injury. West Ham were relegated at the end of it but rather than join Joe Cole, Fredi Kanoute and Jermain Defoe in an exodus, Carrick stayed for a season in the Championship. However, after losing the 2004 play-off final to Crystal Palace, Carrick decided he couldn't wait another year for a return to the Premier League and moved across London to join Tottenham in a transfer worth £2.75m.

He blossomed into an accomplished midfielder in two seasons at White Hart Lane. However, he only scored two goals in 64 games and it seemed this low strike-rate would continue at United, at least for the first few months.

Encouraged by Sir Alex Ferguson to push forward, Carrick eventually weighed in with six strikes from midfield in 2006/07. His first was a well-taken half-volley against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 13 January 2007; his second, at home to Reading in the FA Cup, was shortlisted for the club's Goal of the Season award (won by Scholes away to Villa). His other goals included two in the 7-1 rout of Roma.

Carrick may have only scored three goals in 2007/08 but his all-round contribution to the cause could not be questioned as the Reds were crowned Champions of England and Europe. No wonder then that club and player agreed a new four-year deal in May 2008, to keep Carrick at United until June 2012.

Portuguese winger Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha ("Nani") shares many similarities with Cristiano Ronaldo and he will be looking to emulate the achievements of his compatriot at Old Trafford over the coming seasons.

Nani officially joined United in July 2007 for an undisclosed fee from Sporting Lisbon after being tracked for some time by Sir Alex Ferguson and his scouting staff.

Primarily a left-sided player, Nani can also play in numerous other attacking positions. He showed in his first season at OT why he has been compared favourably with Ronaldo, displaying speed and skill and scoring several spectacular goals.

And the Cape Verde-born Nani is tipped to match the standards of 2007/08's PFA Player of the Year.

"He (Nani) is an amazing player, he's an amazing kid as well, he works very hard and has got a big heart," said Portuguese Under 21 team mate Ricardo Vaz Te. "He got a gift from god which is his talent obviously."

Old Trafford got its first glimpse of Nani's trademark backflip goal celebration when he scored his first goal against Spurs in August 2007, and United fans will be looking forward to seeing it many times over the next few seasons.

After making his Sporting debut at the age of 18, Nani featured 29 times in the Portuguese league in 2006/07, scoring five times. He found the net on his international debut against Denmark in September 2006, and also featured for Portugal in the Euro 2008 championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Portugal assistant coach Paulo Sousa is backing Nani to continue his success in England. "Nani is very explosive, very strong and fast," he said. "I think that in the next five or 10 years, he and Cristiano Ronaldo can become the best players in the world."

Nani's move to Old Trafford undoubtedly had something to do with former assistant boss Carlos Queiroz, now Nani's international manager. Queiroz is credited with helping Ronaldo settle and improve his game and, if Nani's first season is anything to go by, the ex-Reds' number two also had a positive influence on him.

Ronaldo has also promised to help Nani. “I really hope he has the same success as me, or even more, because he’s got the ability to do this," he said. "He joined the right club to evolve as a player and as a person.”

You must have a rare and special football talent to impress the great Sir Bobby Charlton. The United legend sums up Paul Scholes perfectly: "He’s always so in control and pinpoint accurate with his passing – a beautiful player to watch."

Part of the new wave of talent that ushered in Beckham, Giggs, Butt and the Neville brothers in the mid-1990s, Salford-born Scholes scored twice on his debut in the League Cup at Port Vale in 1994/95 – and on his first league outing against Ipswich – and hasn't looked back.

A host of golden seasons at Old Trafford include 1995/96’s Double-winning campaign, in which he covered admirably during Eric Cantona’s suspension, finishing second behind the Frenchman in the scoring charts with 14 goals; he was a cornerstone of 1999’s Treble-winners, although suspension ruled him out of the Champions League final, and in United’s Premiership success in 2003, his 20-goal haul was vital.

Neat and compact, a misplaced Scholes pass remains one of the rarest sights in football. His superb eye for goal and late runs from midfield also served his country superbly on 66 occasions.

An eye problem kept the man the fans dubbed the 'Ginger Prince’ out of action for a large part of 2005/06, but he burst back onto the scene during the 2006/07 title-winning campaign, playing a key role in helping the Reds reclaim the Premiership crown. Personal highlights included his opener in the 2-0 win over Liverpool in October 2006 and a volley of the highest calibre in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa two months later, which earned him the Goal of the Season Award at the club's Player Awards ceremony.

His contribution was recognised by players and press alike - he finished third in the PFA Player of the Year category and fourth in the Football Writers' vote - both of which were won by team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

His good form continued the following season as he helped the Reds to a glorious double and finally buried the Champions League ghost of '99 when his stunning strike against Barcelona in April 2008, booked United's, and his own place, in the final in Moscow.

Now in the top four highest ever appearance makers and the top twelve highest goalscorers at the club, Scholes is, indisputably, one of the finest talents in United's history, and he's still going strong - in October 2008 he was rewarded with a one-year contract extension, taking it through to June 2010.

Fabio da Silva is a left-sided defender but, like his twin brother Rafael, loves to get forward.

Spotted in 2005 by Les Kershaw, then United's Academy manager, while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament, it wasn't long before the Reds came knocking.

Fabio has already proved his potential on the youth international stage. He captained and top-scored in the Under-17 World Cup finals in Korea in 2007.

FIFA's official website heaped praise on the teenager after their game against Ghana. "Brazil's calm and intricate build-up play was impressive to behold as the imperious Fabio pulled the strings."

It's that kind of promise that has got Sir Alex waxing lyrical about the Brazilian pair. "It's a typical Brazilian situation," he says. "They just love playing. They're quick and they're determined. I think they're both excellent footballers, I really do."

The United manager's persistence in signing the pair shows just how highly he rates them. "Their old club Fluminense didn'y play them because they were joining us. They came over in January 2008 [before officially signing in July 2008], but it was too late for the work permit application."
When Fabio and Rafael turned 18, it meant United could apply through international clearance, which came through a few days before United faced Peterborough in a pre-season friendly on 4 August 2008.

Having watched from the bench as his brother Rafael put in an outstanding first half performance, Fabio came off the bench to put in an equally sharp display, showing energy and enthusiasm, and plenty of ability too.

His desire to break forward strong, much like United's current left-back Patrice Evra. Fabio is also a dead-ball expert.

Rafael was born in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, and is very much a modern full-back; he loves to get forward down the right flank - but he's not all just Brazilian flair, he's made of tough stuff.

For some time fans have been aware of the "Brazilian Nevilles" as some have dubbed them, but it wasn't until 4 August 2008 that United supporters could experience the shining potential that these boys possess.

Rafael, who like his twin brother is a Brazilian youth international, was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the Reds' starting line-up against Peterborough in Barry Fry's testimonial match at Posh's London Road ground. Talk about taking your chance when it comes. Sir Alex described the 18-year-old's performance as "a sensation".

Finally, it was the end of one long journey from his former Brazilian club Fluminense, and the start of a new one with United.

What made Rafael's debut all the more startling was that he hadn't played for over a year. The Reds had been waiting for international clearance on the pair's transfer from Brazil, so they had been unable to play for United during that time and, in fact, didn't play any regular competitive football.
You would never have guessed it. Rafael was tearing up and down the right touchline - perhaps exerting 12 months of frustration - throwing himself into tackles and getting forward to aid United's attacks in equal measure.

"It was a real eye opener for us," said a beaming Sir Alex. "He hadn't played for a year but he's played a full 90 minutes today. You know what football is like. Sometimes it turns up some star, a little nugget maybe. On the evidence of tonight I think we've got a good player here."

Both brothers were spotted by Les Kershaw, then Academy Manager, in the summer of 2005 while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament.

The patience shown to wait for this chance with United suggests that Rafael will be undaunted by the challenges ahead, and his ten-minute cameo on his competitive debut on 17 August 2008 against Newcastle appeared to back up that claim.

He has been a squad regular during the 2008/09 campaign to date and came off the bench to score his first goal in a red shirt in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on 8 November, superbly volleying home in the final minute.

Belfast-born Jonathan Evans is a tall and agile centre-back. An intelligent defender, he combines an uncompromising physical approach with the ability to pass the ball out from the back.

He has proven himself to be strong in the tackle and dominant in the air at youth level, and in 2005/06 he made significant inroads into United’s Reserves, playing 14 matches and contributing two goals.

He was also handed a European squad number at the start of the season and trained and travelled with the first team squad. He was included in the group that went to Paris to face Lille Metropole in November 2005.
Jonny's unquestioned promise led to a shock international call-up to the senior Northern Ireland side at the start of the 2006/07 season.

His outstanding displays on the international stage, together with some phenomenal performances on loan for Royal Antwerp, lend credence to the notion that Evans has what it takes to forge a career for himself in United's first team.

Evans' development certainly caught the eye of his boyhood hero Roy Keane. The Sunderland manager snapped up the youngster within days of his Antwerp loan ending. Jonny spent the rest of the 2006/07 season at the Stadium of Light, and tasted defeat just once in 19 appearances as the Black Cats stormed into the Premier League as champions.

Evans' fine form on Wearside caught the eye of many clubs, but he remained at Old Trafford for the first half of the 2007/08 season, featuring in the Carling Cup defeat to Coventry and the Champions League group games with Dynamo Kyiv (home) and AS Roma (away).

Chances remained limited for Evans and he rejoined Sunderland on loan in January until the end of the campaign. He made 16 appearances helping Sunderland to a 15th place finish.

He featured in every one of United's pre-season games ahead of the 2008/09 season and will be hoping for further opportunities as the campaign progresses.