Manchester United have scored some of the best goals in the Premier League era, which is obvious with the stars they’ve had on their books. From chipped strikes to bicycle kicks to lobbed efforts to bullet headers, our players have managed to ink their names in the list of the best goals ever, and today we present to you the finest volleyed goals scored by players in a United shirt.
Rooney vs Newcastle United (April 2005)
One moment the striker was arguing with the referee Neale Barry, and seconds later he had scored the goal of the season. Rooney, only 19 at the time and less than a year into his United career, was arguing with the ref about a free kick that had not been awarded, but then, he spotted a poor clearing header from Peter Ramage and vented his fury at the ball to score a rocket strike that went past Shay Given, which he couldn’t properly see, let alone save.
Scholes vs Bradford City (March 2000)
Paul Scholes has scored many beautiful volleys in his glittering career, and this surely has to be one of his best ever. David Beckham perfectly picked out Scholes from his corner kick who then unleashed a monster first-time strike that flew inside the post. Everything – from the cross to the technique to the finish – was inch perfect.
Evra vs Bayern Munich (April 2014)
Patrice Evra scored the best goal of his career against Bayern Munich in the knockout stage. An Antonio Valencia cross failed to meet any of the United players in the box, and reached the charismatic left-back who unleashed a rocket strike from just outside the box, giving Manuel Neuer no chance. Even though Bayern scored 72 seconds later and defeated United 4-2 on aggregate, which ultimately led to Moyes’ sacking 13 days later, the Scottish manager labelled this goal and the crazy celebration that followed as the highlight of his United career.
Cantona vs Wimbledon (1993-94)
Eric Cantona, one of United’s best players ever, has scored innumerable goals that the United faithful will never forget. His volley against Wimbledon in the FA Cup was one such goal. His first touch to tee himself up was immaculate, and his subsequent volley was breathtaking. Martin Tyler perfectly summarised it by exclaiming, “What can you do about that?”
Remember it for years to come, maybe?
Pogba vs Swansea City (November 2016)
Surely the best goal scored by the midfielder in his first season following a world-record transfer. Pogba managed to temporarily shut down his critics with a sensational half-volley against Bob Bradley’s men. His gorgeous strike from just outside the box easily beat Fabianski and even won the goal of the month award.
Scholes vs Aston Villa (December 2006)
Another majestic volleyed goal from the midfield maestro, this time a better placement than before. Ryan Giggs’ corner was headed clear by the Villa defence, but the ball sweetly fell to Scholes whose venomous strike dipped over a helpless Gabor Kiraly and flew in off the underside of the crossbar.
Van Persie vs Aston Villa (April 2013)
Voted as one of the best goals in Premier League history as well as United’s second best goal ever in the Premier League era, this strike was one of supreme class. The Dutchman received Rooney’s pinpoint long pass and hit an exquisite first-time volley to beat Brad Guzan at his left-hand post. And on top of that, the goal propelled a victory that won United the league with four games to spare. Sir Alex Ferguson labelled it as the ‘Goal of the Century’, and with that sort of technique and timing, it’s hard to suggest a better strike than that.