This may be the most difficult
post I’ve made so far. With United’s rich history of talent in every position,
it’s extremely challenging to narrow the pool down to the best starting XI. A lot of my choices are biased somewhat by personal preference and really who I was able to watch. Don’t
agree with my picks? Let me know who you'd change in the comments!
Goalkeeper:
For me, there’s really only two
choices here – Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar, and because I grew up
watching van der Sar, I have to give him the nod. He signed for United in 2005
for only two million pounds but went on to be one United’s greats. In May 2007,
he saved a PK in the Manchester Derby, helping to secure the Premier League
title. Next season, he had a huge save against Anelka in the Champions League
to win the Crown for United. In 2009, he set the Premier League record for
consecutive clean sheets with 11 games and 1,032 minutes without letting a ball
in the back of the net; he went on to beat the previous world record,
registering 1,311 minutes without letting up a goal. His impressive ability
landed him several awards, including the UEFA Best European Goalkeeper award
and the Premier Leagues’ Golden Glove. Off the field, van der Sar was a class
act, meaning he represented the United way in all aspects of his life.
Defense:
Nemanja Vidic - I was blessed to grow up watching the combination
of Vidic, Ferdinand, and Evra in United’s back line, so again I’m probably a
little bit biased. Vidic, in my opinion, has to be considered one of the best
defenders in United’s history based on what he did as a leader and as a player.
He was part of a dying breed of stonewall defenders, with no regard for life or
limb, and he commanded his back line in much the same manner. It was truly
difficult watching him leave United to join Inter, I’d hoped he would retire a
Red. He made the Premier League team of the year four times and won the player
of the season award twice.
Rio Ferdinand - Again, because of my bias, I’m going to put Ferdinand
in the top defenders of all time. Even if I weren’t biased, it’d be tough to
include Vidic without Ferdinand, arguably the best defensive pairing in
history. While Vidic was the thunder, Ferdinand brought the lightning. He was
pacey and had good foot skills for a center back, allowing him to push forward
from defense. In total, he made the Premier League team of the year six times and helped United to six Premier League titles during his 12 year career with the club. Even despite the controversy that revolved around the incident of a missed drug test, Rio went on to be a world class defender. Ferdinand
has also always been heavily involved in developing football off the pitch.
Again, like Vidic, it was hard watching him go to QPR.
Gary Neville – Neville was part of the class of 92 and fit right in
with the rest. He had a combination of attacking and defensive ability,
allowing him to contribute to the attack, often linking up with Beckham and
providing overlapping runs in support. Perhaps the most memorable moment of his
career was his celebration against Liverpool which prompted a fine from the FA.
Neville was born and bred a Red Devil, and hopefully someday he’ll return in a
managerial position. He made the Premier League team of the year five times, because, in Sir Alex's opinion, he had a determination unlike any other that made up for what he lacked in pure talent.
Dennis Irwin – I didn’t have the pleasure of watching Irwin play
for United, I really wish I had. He was an excellent defender, probably the
best full back in United’s history. In addition, he had the ability to score
goals, always a plus for a defender. He made over 500 appearances for the Red
Devils and helped them win numerous trophies to truly stamp his name in the
history books. In total, Irwin would help the Red Devils win 13 trophies, second most in United's history. Irwin is now working with MUTV so his United career lives on.
Other greats: Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Bill Foulkes
Midfield: This is where it gets tough, there are so many great
midfielders that have played for United.
Ryan Giggs – Ryan Giggs was probably my favorite player to watch
while growing up. His technical ability and pace on the wing were a joy to
watch. In over 900 appearances in all competitions for United, Giggs had over
150 goals; not bad when the strikers he was playing with were even better at
scoring goals. He won many awards, including Young Player of the Year, Team of
the Year, and is inducted in the English Football Hall of Fame. In the future,
I expect (hope) Giggs to eventually take over as manager at United after he’s gained
some experience as assistant manager. Ryan Giggs is a Red Devil for life.
Paul Scholes – Scholes is another player I loved watching, with his
skills and passing, as well as his football knowledge. He was a box to box
player, something United could really use these days. Scholes had the ability
to dictate the way a game went in midfield. In over 700 appearances for United,
Scholes managed 155 goals, a record similar to that of the aforementioned
Giggs. His play earned him several recognitions, including team of the year
twice and induction to the English Football Hall of Fame alongside Giggs.
Bryan Robson – I actually had Roy Keane in this spot, but after
thinking more about his character and history with Sir Alex Ferguson, I
realized he didn’t represent what United stand for. So instead, I went with
another United great in Robson. Robson had great pace and shooting ability as
well as a great understanding of the game. In his time with United, he helped win multiple trophies including the
Premier League twice, FA Cup three times, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup once.
George Best – Best, arguably the best United player ever, had
speed, control, and scoring ability, making him a superb winger. He also had a
flair, leading to Pele calling him the greatest player in the world. In 1968,
he won the European Cup Final with United and was the European Footballer of
the Year. In 361 appearances for United, he had 136 goals, an impressive
record.
* Yes I know Best is also
considered a forward, but for the sake of a 4-4-2 I’m using him as a
midfielder.
Other greats: Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham
Strikers:
Eric Cantona – Even though Cantona spent very little time at
United, he was spectacular. He had remarkable technical ability that led to an
incredible goal scoring record, nearly a goal for every two appearances. He
never quit and featured a swagger that left fans on the edge of their seat.
Despite his infamous Kung-Fu incident, fans loved him all the same. He led the
way for the United youngsters until the end of the 96/97 season when he
surprisingly retired. Cantona did what Cantona wanted, and I like to think of him
as the original Ibrahimovic.
Denis Law – The second striker is difficult for me to choose. I loved
watching Ruud van Nistelrooy, Soslkjaer was stupendous, and Law… well Law was
the King. The King, with his incredible talent and love of the game, was loved
by all fans of United. In 404 total appearances, he scored more than a goal for
every two games, an even better record than the great Cantona. In 1964 he won
European Player of the Year after his 30 goal season.
Other greats: Bobby Charlton, Andy Cole, Ole Gunner Solskjaer, Ruud van
Nistelrooy
Credit for Images: The Telegraph, Zimbio, ManUtd.com, PremierLeague.com, Utdreport.com, Stretford-end.com, Strettynews.com
No comments:
Post a Comment