Four Manchester United legends who have received knighthoods, including David Beckham

David Beckham is the latest Manchester United legend to receive a knighthood.

There has been a total of 14 football knighthoods, excluding administrators, including four from Manchester United.

United can boast having more knighthoods than any other club following David Beckham’s latest honour. The former England international will be referred to as ‘Sir David Beckham’ in the future after giving many years of service to football and charities, such as Unicef.

Gary Neville congratulated Beckham and more tributes are expected to flood in over the weekend.

The knighthood was also given to Beckham for his time spent at United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG and England.

Beckham now joins a short list of three other United legends to have earned a knighthood.

Photo by CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Sir Matt Busby

Sir Matt Busby was responsible for leading United from the horrors of the 1958 Munich air disaster to winning the European Cup a decade later, having had to rebuild the squad with help from his ever-reliable assistant coach Jimmy Murphy.

After winning the European Cup, Busby received a knighthood in the same year.

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Busby led United to more trophies during his time as manager at Old Trafford, including five First Division titles and two FA Cups.

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton epitomised the true values of United like no other. The former England international survived the Munich air disaster at the age of 20 before recovering from his injuries to reach the pinnacle for both club and country (European Cup and World Cup).

Charlton spent 17 years playing for United, making 758 appearances and scoring 249 goals.

He received his knighthood in 1994.

Sir Alex Ferguson

There is no denying that Sir Alex Ferguson was the greatest manager in United’s history. The Scot led United to 13 league titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the Club World Cup.

In 1999, Ferguson was awarded a knighthood for his services in football after winning the Treble with United.

Ferguson announced his retirement from management in 2013, winning his final league title as United manager.

Sir David Beckham

The latest ‘Sir’ on United’s books is David Beckham. The global superstar needs no introduction after winning everything, except the League Cup, during his time at United. His trophies at United include six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.

Beckham was given his knighthood in 2025.

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