Home of football statistics and historySir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United legacy will forever be remembered. He was in charge at Old Trafford for 26 years and he turned them into a winning machine.
Ferguson transformed the culture to guide United to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies and five FA Cups.
He has been asked about picking his best United team and Ferguson described the task as ‘impossible’ – but we’ll give it a go…
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Ferguson was desperate to sign Schmeichel in the 90s and he proved pivotal to United’s success.
The Dane was imposing and a valuable leader for Ferguson. He wasn’t afraid to hold his defence accountable.
Schmeichel, who captained United when they won the treble in 1999, is regarded by many as the best Premier League goalkeeper ever.
Right-back: Gary Neville
When Neville talks about his career, he says better players around him were crucial to United’s success, however, don’t be fooled.
Neville, who made 602 United appearances, had quality but also an incredible desire to win. His passion and fire made him the perfect Ferguson right-back.
He wasn’t flashy – he had David Beckham in front of him for that – but he was always reliable. He may be the best ever Premier League right-back.
Centre-back: Rio Ferdinand
United splashed out a then-record fee to sign Ferdinand from Leeds in 2002 and he truly was a Rolls-Royce centre-back.
He had everything. Pace, strength, composure on the ball and an eye for a pass. Ferdinand spent 12 successful years at Old Trafford winning six Premier League titles.
Ferdinand and his partner Nemanja Vidic would dominate in any era.
Centre-back: Nemanja Vidic
We have to partner Ferdinand with Vidic, although Gary Pallister can count himself unlucky.
The Serbian was a warrior and he was a constant fan-favourite as he’d leave everything out on the pitch.
Vidic won 15 trophies during his time at United and embodied Ferguson’s mentality of win at all costs.
Left-back: Denis Irwin
When asked for one certainly to make his best XI, Ferguson said: “Denis Irwin”.
Like Neville, Irwin was trusty and reliable. He was a left-back who could play on either side of the defence.
He was an unsung hero but a constant in Ferguson’s teams in the ’90s. He went on to make 529 United appearances and he won the league seven times.
Right midfield: David Beckham
We could have put Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing but due to longevity at the club, we’ll stick Beckham in.
Beckham was the first footballer to cross over into the celebrity world and he was a global superstar.
He was an ever-present for United in the ’90s and while he was reliable and hard working, he had a touch of class in big moments.
Beckham’s delivery on crosses as well as his set-piece quality made him an integral part of Ferguson’s side.
Central midfield: Roy Keane
Keane was a dream for Ferguson as it gave him a manager out on the pitch.
The Irishman’s aggression, competitive edge and desire to win were always on show and he was a major catalyst in United’s constant success.
Keane and Ferguson clashed and their relationship turned sour but that can be put down to them being so similar.
Keane held his team-mates accountable and he was a constant driving force.
Central midfield: Paul Scholes
Scholes, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard? We’ve all had that debate!
The fact that the former United man is in the discussion for the best Premier League midfielder means he has to be in this XI.
Scholes made United tick. He dictated the pace of the game while constantly showing off his passing range and vision.
He wasn’t afraid to get stuck in either. Scholes and Keane were the perfect duo.
Left midfield: Ryan Giggs
Giggs is the most successful British player ever with the Welshman winning 13 Premier League titles at United.
He also won four FA Cups, four League Cups and lifted the Champions League twice.
Giggs’ longevity was a testament to his ability as well as his dedication to the game and keeping himself fit.
The winger was a part of every trophy that Ferguson won at Old Trafford.
Striker: Eric Cantona
Cantona kickstarted United’s success around the inception of the Premier League.
The Frenchman swanned over from Leeds in 1992 and he had an aura that transformed United into winners.
Ferguson has previously hailed Cantona as a major catalyst for their success. He’s a United and Premier League icon.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
Rooney simply had it all.
He’s United’s all-time leading scorer but Rooney had more than just an eye for goal.
Rooney would track back 50 yards to rip in a tackle and get the crowd roaring. A minute later, he’s running at the opposition defence before slamming the ball into the top corner.
Rooney was a smart player who scored over 200 Premier League goals and set up over 100 more. The Rooney, Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez front three was terrifying.
Read expert betting tips and discover football bookmakers on FIRST.COM
0 Comments