Manchester United: Strongest Combined XI in Recent Years

Central midfielders

Paul Pogba is a proper central midfield player

The flamboyant Paul Pogba is an epitome of a proper midfield player. He has the height, physique, burst of speed, and technical footballing gift.

When United let him go in 2012, he became so good that they had to part with a then world record transfer fee of £89.5m to re-sign him.

In this team, Pogba can offer his vision and a great range of passing to feed the attacking players. His excellent ball control and retention would be crucial in any United side and he is a definite first pick in the starting line up.

Michael Carrick was a composed player in midfield

In his 12-year career at United, Michael Carrick contributed and gave it his all. He scored goals, could spot the runs behind defences, and, most importantly, brought a calming presence to United's team.

This was noted in the majority of his 400 plus appearances for the Old Trafford outfit. Whenever he played, Carrick would offer leadership and slow down the game to thwart the opposition pressure.

The former United captain would protect the back four in this role and interplay with the attackers apart from controlling the tempo of the game.