The likes of the mercurial Peter Beardsley, powerhouse striker Les Ferdinand and local hero Alan Shearer all became iconic figures with the Gallowgate faithful as the Magpies mixed it with the great and the good in the Premier League and abroad.
Several big-name players also made their way to Tyneside without really living up to the hype that enveloped the club when their signings were confirmed.
But there have been a number of players that have represented United with pride without ever really capturing the headlines during their time at St James Park.
Perhaps their departures made people reassess their worth and contribution to the cause, but there can be no doubt they added something to the side without overshadowing some of the more attractive names within the squad.
NewcastleWorld takes look back over the last three decades and picks out 10 of the Magpies most underrated players.
1. Andy O’Brien
Another of Sir Bobby Robson’s astute signings, O’Brien became something of a cult figure within weeks of his arrival with an equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland. He was part of the United side that qualified for the Champions League and was a dependable figure for the Magpies. Photo: Getty
2. Mohamed Diame
It is safe to say Diame took his time to get going at St James Park - but when he did he provided Rafa Benitez with a powerful presence in the heart of his midfield. Put in some almighty performances against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea towards the end of the 2017/18 season. Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Habib Beye
The former Marseille defender provided experience and energy from right-back after he was lured to Tyneside by Sam Allardyce. His exit following relegation in 2009 may have tarnished his reputation but he was one of the few highs of a largely negative period for the club. Photo: ANDREW YATES
4. Darren Peacock
It was hard not to feel sorry for Peacock because he was the only out-and-out defender in Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers side. With many of his team-mates looking to play on the front foot, he often provided some much-needed ballast in the backline of Keegan’s marauding Magpies. Photo: Charles Knight