Picking a Manchester United XI from all of the stars to grace The Theatre of Dreams, during The Premier League years, is a thankless task and bound to draw as much ire as praise.
Because it’s literally impossible to squeeze in each world-class talent that has played for the most successful British club, and at once please everyone.
How, for example, do you decide between Rooney and Cantona? Keane and Robson? Irwin and Evra.
Well, you shall see!
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Apps: 393
Goals: 1
We were huge fans of Edwin van der Saar and the current incumbent, David de Gea, takes some topping. But no all-time United XI would be complete without The Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel, who could scare a striker into a mistake merely by looking at him.
Left Back: Patrice Evra
Apps: 379
Goals: 10
Howls of disapproval from the Irwin lobby. And yes, the Irishman was a sensational footballer and a far better free kick taker than Evra.
But the Frenchman was an almost ever-present in the most successful period of United’s history, appearing in 3 Champions League finals, winning 5 titles, 5 Community Shields, 3 League Cups and the World Club Cup.
He was the complete modern full back with pace, skill, athleticism, a swashbuckling style and never say die attitude.
Centre Back: Jaap Stam
Apps: 127
Goals: 1
One of the most difficult choices of all was who to play at centre back. There have been many great ones and two types – the ball player and the warrior. Stam was one of the few players who could sit in either category. He was an absolute rock but also had superb feet. A true champion in every sense.
Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand
Apps: 455
Gaols: 8
One of our favourite players of all time. It’s easy to excite fans when you are a striker and score loads of goals. But Ferdinand made defending exciting with his supreme first touch and reading of the game. He literally made fools of most of his opponents.
Right Back: Gary Neville
Apps: 602
Goals: 7
Never the most talented player but he was utterly watertight and never let you down. Perhaps benefits, in our selection, from playing in an area of the squad that was regularly filled by utility players during The Premier League era.
Left Wing: Ryan Giggs
Giggs: What a player
Apps: 963
Goals: 168
Do we even need to discuss this? The only real regret we have is that he decided to retire when LvG showed up. He could have enjoyed cameo appearances for another few years. And he looks increasingly likely to become Manchester United’s next manager. The term ‘legend’ doesn’t really do him justice.
Central Midfield: Paul Scholes
Apps: 718
Goals: 155
A snarling midfielder when he needed to be but also one of the most gifted ball players we have ever seen. A pocket rocket who scored sensational goals. No contest.
Central Midfield: Bryan Robson
Apps: 461
Goals: 99
The obvious choice would be Roy Keane. He was a supreme leader but Robson gets into our side for two reasons. Firstly he scored more goals and was generally a more attacking player. Secondly, Keane’s departure left a bad taste in the mouth, whereas Robson has really embodied United throughout his life.
Right Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo
Better than Best?
Apps: 292
Goals: 118
Ronaldo doesn’t just breeze into the side but also has to be a strong contender for best United player of all time.
Centre Forward: Eric Cantona
Apps: 185
Goals: 82
If ever you needed a player to drag a team by it’s bootlaces out of the mire, this was the man. He literally kept Manchester United ticking whilst The Class of ’92 found their feet. It’s just a shame that he never enjoyed real European success at the club.
Centre Forward: Wayne Rooney
Apps: 490 (and counting)
Goals: 235
Has dropped off the pace of late but we often wonder where Manchester United would be now if they hadn’t signed Rooney. He carried sometimes average United sides to trophy after trophy. Utterly irreplaceable.
Manchester United fans: Your Best XI?
