Since its launch, Manchester United has gone through the most dynamic history. It has had its share of losses and winnings. Despite its many challenges and victories, it has managed to become one of the most recognized clubs in the world. The club boasts of many gifted players rising through its ranks. In the field, the club centers its attention on football skills. Regardless, several MNU players have also triumphed academically. They have earned degrees from prominent colleges and universities. Here are the smartest football players in the history of Manchester United.

Juan Mata
Juan Mata signed a contract with Manchester United in early 2014. He is a renowned player due to his elegant style in the field. Before he left the club in 2022, he had made 51 goals for the team. He went to the Technical University of Valencia. He has a degree in sports science. 

It can be challenging to manage higher education with a demanding sports lifestyle. A student must balance aggressive football practice with strict academic timetables. They delve into essay writing and engage in studies that demand high levels of organization. Due to such strict schedules, it becomes paramount for the player to seek support with academic work. Fortunately, assistance is available from Edubirdie essay writing services which can help to delve deeper into sports. When it’s time to write an essay, they can hire a writer to write my essay in no time.

Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling is one of the smartest soccer players in the history of MNU. He joined the club in 2010. He portrayed resilience playing in different positions in the field. Before he left in 2020, he had made 206 appearances and scored 12 goals. He graduated from the University of Greenwich with a degree in Business Management and Financial Studies. 

Gary Neville
If you have ever wondered who is the smartest soccer player in MNU, Gary Neville is one of them. He was an academy graduate when he debuted in the club in 1992. As a right back, he showed great defensive power. He played for the club for two decades and scored 148 goals. He studied at the University of Manchester and graduated with a degree in Accounting and Business Management. 

Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic joined MNU in mid-2017. He transformed into one of the smartest football players of his time. He had great vigor in defense and portrayed himself as a strategic player. Due to his tactics, he was a valuable asset in the midfield. Nemanja not only progressed in football but also in schooling. He studied at the University of Belgrade and received a degree in business studies. From 2017 to 2022, he made 183 appearances. 

Steve Coppell
Steve Coppell signed a contract with the MNU in 1975. He became a skilled player and developed unique abilities for scoring goals. This dynamic wing player left a lasting mark on the team. For players who might have the notion that you need a degree to be a soccer player, Steve defied them all. Sometimes he had to pay for research paper to complete his assignments. Despite this, he received a degree in Physical Education from Liverpool John Moores University.  He scored 70 times and made 373 appearances.

Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs joined Manchester United as a young player in 1990. He is a great MNU legend who showcased dazzling skills in the field. He is one of the footballers with degrees who stayed the longest in the club. From 1990, he left the club in 2016 and scored 168 goals. Ryan studied at the Manchester Metropolitan University. He graduated with a degree in applied management.

Dwight Yorke
Dwight Yorke is remembered as one of the smartest soccer players of all time. He worked closely with Andy Cole and they both managed to drive the club to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Here is his important information. 

• His contract with the club started in 1998 and ended in 2002.

• During that season, he scored 19 goals.

• He appeared 74 times in different game seasons. 

• He holds a degree in sports science and management from the University of West Indies. 

David Beckham
David Beckham needs no introduction. He has enjoyed such a level of fame in his days as the top-notch English footballer. Beyond his achievements in football, Beckham has ventured into various fields. Besides Manchester United, he also played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham won a number of domestic and international titles, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United. But the reason for his name here on the list is his Honorary Doctorate of Science from Loughborough University. We can't say he was brilliant in academics but this was in recognition of his contributions to sport and his philanthropic work. This is a commendable achievement and he truly deserves it.

Phil Neville
Philip Neville is currently a coach. Football fans know him for his versatile playing career and coaching expertise. He had a distinguished career, mainly with Manchester United and then with Everton. He was part of the renowned Class of '92 at Manchester United. Like Beckham, he won numerous honors, including six Premier League titles with Manchester United. And in contrast to Beckham, Phil Neville pursued higher education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science and Management from Loughborough University. This really shows his commitment to academic excellence. And it does not stop here. He pursued coaching qualifications and holds a UEFA Pro Licence. It is the highest coaching qualification in Europe.

Conclusion
It has never been easy to balance football and academics especially when you are a professional player. These footballers had remarkable abilities in the field. Despite this, they also showed dedication to various academic goals. They made impressive accomplishments in athletics and education. Due to this, they serve as excellent examples of the achievements players can get through commitment and hard work. They showcase the wide range of skills included in Manchester United's history. 

Author’s Bio
Nate Joseland is a champion writer who loves to raise the bar every time he does an essay or a thesis. He writes so well that any other writer would face difficulty in getting close to his paper. Combined with the ability to deliver on time and high-level accuracy, he’s the writer that most students want for getting assignment help.