Comparing Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s greatest XIs of 2000-2017

Attack

Manchester United – Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrating one of his many Manchester United goals

When Nistelrooy joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven, he quickly became the only Premier League striker who actually challenged Henry at his peak. Although he lacked the Arsenal man’s searing pace, Nistelrooy exemplified the term ‘fox in the box’ like no other.

His positioning, heading ability, and spot-kick accuracy struck terror at the hearts of opposing team. Scoring 94 goals in just 150 league appearances was nothing short of phenomenal.

Rating = 8.4

Special mention: Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

Manchester United – Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo posing with his Premier League Golden Boot award

Initially, he was a trickster who enjoyed fancy flicks and ridiculous stepovers. But after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo grew tired of hugging the touchline and started to make runs beyond the opposition defence.

Coupled with his unparalleled work ethic, Ronaldo blossomed to become one of the most complete players in England. He also scored all kinds of goal: headers, scorchers, tap-ins, etc. His performance duly earned him his first Fifa Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards.

Rating = 9.4

Special mention = Zlatan Ibrahimovi?

Manchester United – Wayne Rooney

A boisterous Wayne Rooney

Premier League’s best striker in the years between 2000 and 2017. He announced himself to the Premier League by being the 16-year-old who ended Arsenal’s 32-match unbeaten run (before the Invincibles eclipsed that record the following season).

Rooney is a reliable, hardworking, and quick striker who scored goals for fun. Several Premier League titles, Champions League triumph, becoming Manchester United’s and England’s record goalscorer, and being the second most prolific forward in Premier League history were few of Rooney’s achievements.

Rating 9.5

Special Mention: Robin van Persie