The exceptional recent form of Paul Scholes has attracted praise from all quarters and deservedly so. He is consistently singled out as one of the best players of the modern game. He would be in my best United 11 of the premiership era every day of the week. It got me thinking, who else would make that side? It’s a tough process and many will differ but here is my pick for the best United 11 of the premiership era.
Goalkeeper: Although Edwin Van Der Sar has been outstanding for us in recent seasons, there can only be one. Peter Schmeichel was monumental for United and his contribution can never be underestimated. He was an exceptional shot stopper, had a massive presence and who could forget that throw which instigated so many counter attacks.
Right Back: I was always a fan of Paul Parker, although many weren’t, but no one comes close to the consistency and passion displayed by Gary Neville. He worked tirelessly on his crossing and his support play improved immensely over the years. Oh yeah, and he hates scousers.
Centre Backs: This is not an easy position to pick as we have consistently had excellent centre backs throughout the premiership. There has been the likes of Pallister, Bruce and Vidic. Nemanja, in particular, can count himself unlucky not to make the side. I think the two best defenders have been Stam and Vidic but they are too similar in their styles. Thus, I am shooting for Jaap Stam and Rio Ferdinand. The Dutchman wasn’t at United for that long but was absolutely brilliant when he was.
Left Back: I am a massive advocate of Evra and genuinely believe he is one of the best left backs in the world. However, there has been no more consistent player for United in the premiership than Denis Irwin. He was capable of stunning free kicks and he crossing was of the highest calibre. The Corkman gets the nod, just.
Right Winger: David Beckham is the greatest crosser of the ball the premiership has ever seen. He scored some genuinely exceptional goals, including the famous goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon. Kanchelskis was a rocket in that brilliant 93/94 side and this has always been a strong position in the United ranks. However, can anyone really challenge Cristiano Ronaldo. Some of his performances were just ridiculous and he was the best player in the world when in his final seasons at United. His countless goals drove us to many, many trophies.
Centre Midfield: Although there has been much talent in the United engine room, this pairing picks itself in my book: Roy Keane and Paul Scholes. This represents the perfect central midfield pairing to me and it doesn’t get better than this partnership. What more can you say about these two? Although different types of players, they are both winners and United through and through. Keane to provide the drive, passion and steel with Scholes to run the show like only he can.
Left Winger: Can there be any debate on this one? It can be none other than the man who has scored in every premiership season and wowed us since 1993: Ryan Giggs. His game has changed over the years but the class remains. That goal in the FA Cup sei-final will be forever etched in the memory.
Strikers: This is the hardest position to select just two players from. There has been a plethora of phenomenal strikers at United in the premiership. To name but a few: Cole, Yorke, Solskjaer, Van Nistlerooy, Hughes, and Sheringham. One spot has to go to Eric Cantona. The mercurial Frenchman had that something special which we will never forget. There was a special aura about the man and he could produce the exceptional at just the right time. To partner him, I decided to plump for Wayne Rooney. He mightn’t have the goals of Van Nistlerooy but as an all round player, he is a cut above. It is a partnership that could be potentially devastating.
So there it is. My United 11 of the premiership era:
Schmeichel, Neville, Stam, Ferdinand, Irwin, Ronaldo, Keane (c), Scholes, Giggs, Cantona, Rooney.
Whats yours?
