This all-time XI might well divide opinion among United fans – but we think it would be unstoppable
From George Best to Cristiano Ronaldo – some of the greatest footballers of all time have donned the red of Manchester United, so how do you pick the best of the best? Absolute legends of the game will find themselves failing to make the cut in any dream team – and one fan’s best XI could vastly differ from another’s.
In truth, picking United’s finest – from the Busby Babes, to the European Cup winners of 1968, the treble winners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s last Champions League triumph – will always be fraught with difficulty.
Choosing two centre-backs from Fergie’s era is tough enough – never mind factoring in the legendary sides produced by Sir Matt Busby.
And what about a forward line that needs to squeeze in Denis Law, Best, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo? Spoiler alert – only three from that six makes this cut.
There’s no place for Paul Scholes in midfield, either. But perhaps the most difficult decision was leaving out Ryan Giggs – quite possibly United’s greatest servant as their all-time record appearance-maker and winner of 13 Premier League titles.
His body of work over an incredible career places him above anyone else who wore the shirt. But it doesn’t mean he gets a place in this dream team…
Getty ImagesGK: Peter Schmeichel
Arguably the finest goalkeeper of all time, Schmeichel was a pioneer, with his spread-eagled style when one-on-one with opponents, and his ridiculously long throws sparking counterattacks.
The Denmark international, who spent eight years at Old Trafford after joining from Brondby in 1991, was also a commanding figure in the air.
At his best, he was practically unbeatable and he bowed out in fine style, captaining United to victory in the Champions League final, in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Gary Neville
An underrated member of the Class of ’92, Neville was ahead of his time with his attacking instincts and link-up with David Beckham on the right flank.
Fast, brave and aggressive, this one-club man was every bit the complete full-back.
Getty ImagesCB: Rio Ferdinand
Ferguson had some of the greatest centre-backs of the modern age in his title-winning teams.
Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister formed a formidable partnership, Jaap Stam was a man-mountain, while Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were the perfect blend of silk and steel.
Perhaps Stam was United’s most complete centre-back under Fergie – but Ferdinand’s timing, poise and distribution just earns him the nod in a fierce field of competition.
Offside SportsCB: Duncan Edwards
He could probably have been placed anywhere in this dream team – but one thing is for sure, no greatest XI would be complete without him.
Those who played with or against Edwards agree that he could have become the finest footballer of all time had he not tragically died after the Munich air crash.
A complete player, who was a powerhouse as well as a skilled technician.