Reds’ all-time 25-man premier league squad
WHICH PLAYERS MAKE IT INTO UNITED’S ULTIMATE SQUAD?
THE problem when asked to select a squad of 25 from the Premier League era is United have had so many great players.
With so much success over the years not just in the Premier League, but also in winning two Champions League titles – and not forgetting the treble in 1999 – it’s hard to whittle it down.
Here’s our take on who would make the ultimate United squad from the past 25 years. GOALKEEPERS Peter Schmeichel Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the ‘bargain of the century’ and he wasn’t wrong. United paid just over £500,000 on the great Dane who spent eight years at the club.
Won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League. Edwin van der Sar Another Champions League winner and there was no way he wasn’t going to be included in this squad especially after THAT penalty shootout performance in Moscow. David De Gea Currently regarded by many as the greatest goalkeeper in the world he’s saved United more times than most people can remember. DEFENDERS Gary Neville United’s greatest right back in the Premier League era, without a doubt. The club struggled to replace him until Antonio Valencia stepped up and switched from playing on the wing. Steve Bruce Led by example from the back and was fearless in attack, too. United fans will always remember him for the goal against Sheffield Wednesday which proved to be the key in United winning their first Premier League title. Gary Pallister His partnership with Bruce was the best centre-back pairing seen at the club, until the next two players below came along. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic - Two players who come as a pair. What a partnership they had during their eight years playing together.
They were a crucial part of United’s success. Winning five Premier League titles during their time playing alongside each other and of course the Champions League in 2008. Patrice Evra Wouldn’t necessarily start ahead of Irwin in this squad of 25 but a solid option to have in the ranks and was another crucial part of United’s dominance in the mid 2000s and the Champions League win in 2008. Denis Irwin A vital part of United’s 1999 treblewinning side and was consistently good at left-back for United for years. Ferguson once said the Irishman would be the only player guaranteed a starting place in his all-time team of players he managed. Antonio Valencia In the interest of balance there’s got to be another right-back added to this squad as a deputy to Neville and Valencia’s the best option available. MIDFIELD Paul Scholes A genius for United and arguably one of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen. His pinpoint passes, vision and movement make him one of the greatest ever. Roy Keane Fearless captain who led by example and wasn’t afraid of a crunching tackle. Club legend who was an inspirational leader and always had the ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck. David Beckham Another player that needs no introduction. Made as many front pages as he did back but that didn’t affect his performances.
A dead-ball specialist and always showed his passion and commitment for the shirt. Ryan Giggs The most decorated footballer in English history walks in to this squad. Won every major honour at the club including 13 league titles and two Champions League titles. Michael Carrick Arguably the most underrated player in this squad, it’s not until he announced this retirement and people started to look back on his career they realised the player he was. Bryan Robson Captain Marvel. A true club legend. He only just made this list, not because of his ability – that’s unquestionable – but because of the timeframe. The Premier League only started in 1992, which meant Robson only played two seasons under the new format. Cristiano Ronaldo One of the greatest players the game has ever seen. His pace, skill and goals lit up Old Trafford and he’s become even better since he left the club. Nicky Butt Wouldn’t get in the starting lineup based on this squad but a good option to have on the bench.
An academy graduate who was truly committed to the club and won six league titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999. Park Ji Sung A bit of a wildcard option as there’s arguably been better players during the past 25 years but there was a reason Ferguson always picked him for the big occasions. ATTACKERS Eric Cantona Big fan favourite and was instrumental to United’s dominance in the early 1990s following his move from Leeds in November 1992. Wayne Rooney Not every United fan’s favourite but can’t be denied that he’s one of the greatest forwards the club has had. Broke the all-time goalscoring record and captained United for years. Ruud Van Nistelrooy Scoring 100 goals in his first three seasons at the club made sure he wrote his way into United’s history books. Andy Cole He and the Trinidad and Tobago international forged a ruthless partnership during the treble-winning season and is the third highest goalscorer in Premier League history. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer The baby-faced assassin could have been left out in favour of some other forwards (sorry, Van Persie) but he’s got to be up there with the ultimate substitutes.
What an option to have off the bench!