Manchester United Team of the decade - The Elite XI

Here we look at the best players to have passed through Manchester United over the past 10 years.

Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar

The former Holland international is quite a curios case in World football, 9 successful years at Ajax were followed by 2 awful seasons with Juventus, leaving many suspecting that he would never make it at the highest level, and a move to Premier League side Fulham followed. It was in London that some of his credibility was restored, it was then that United decided to make their move, and he joined the Red Devils for an undisclosed fee. What United got was a first choice goalkeeper for the next 6 seasons, also making 130 appearances for the Netherlands, David de Gea has so far failed to match up to his predecessor.

Right-Back: Gary Neville

Neville was neither the most talented or graceful defender, but he always gave his all for the Red Devils, and that is enough for him to deserve his spot in United’s team of the decade. Although he was first choice right-back for the Old Trafford based side for the best part of a decade, the former England international aged quite quickly, as the last 5 years of his career were ravaged by injuries and a lack of fitness. As well as being a United legend, he is also England’s most capped right-back.Centre-Back: Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand makes the list due to lack of competition, a ban for failing a drugs ban in the past and an astronomical £29.1m transfer fee in 2002 sums up the Peckham-born defender. Overpriced and overrated, the replacement for Jaap Stam was a poor one.

Centre-Back: Nemanja Vidic

Seemingly made of granite and steel, the Serbian is a tough tackling no nonsense defender, though he has been branded as ‘dirty’ by many, they may have a point, but there is no denying quite how much he has meant to United over the years. Joining in 2006 from Spartak Moscow, he has amassed over 200 appearances for United, making him their best centre-back of the past 10 years.

Left-Back: Patrice Evra

Another who makes the list due to lack of any real competition, Evra is a decent left-back, and is one of the quickest defenders in world football. Though mistimed tackles and a childish attitude seen him dropped from the France international team in 2010. Joining from Monaco in 2006, the Senegal-born player was deployed as a winger in the past, which is most likely the reason why he enjoys getting forward so often.

Central Midfield: Paul Scholes

The former England international gave his all for United during his 20-year career. Probably the best passer England have ever had, and was also known for having a lethal shot from distance. With 499 Premier League appearances, Frank Lampard is the only midfielder with more, who has turned out 563 times for West Ham United and Chelsea. A huge part of United for 2 decades, he will leave a hole which may never be fully filled.

Central Midfield: Roy Keane

Although the Irishman only played in 2 years of the past 10, his time at United gets him his place in United’s team of the decade. Made of everything tough, the tag of midfield enforcer doesn’t seem like enough to describe exactly what the former Celtic man brought to the table at Old Trafford. Though his lunge on Alfe-Inge Haland was pathetic, childish and unforgivable, he is one of the most hated figures in world football.

Central Midfield: Michael Carrick

Although he is often criticised for failing to turn up in big games, his distribution is impressive and usually has an idea of what to do when in a tight situation. Although he isn’t amongst the best of his generation, his consistency for the English champions has meant a lot to them in recent years.

Right Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo

His transformation at United from skinny teenager to the Premier League’s best player was extraordinary. In 196 Premier League appearances he contributed 84 goals, all in a 6 year period. Although he is often criticised for his arrogance and diving, there is no denying his talent and how much he gave to the Old Trafford faithful from 2003 to 2009.

Centre-Forward: Ruud van Nistlerooy

The Dutchman, like Keane, only spent a short time of this decade at United, but he is arguably the best striker the Devils have ever had. 95 goals in 150 Premier League appearances shows just how much he meant to Alex Ferguson from 2001-2006. Although he is a player that the Scot famously fell-out with, it turned out to be United’s loss, as the former Holland international went on to enjoy success with Real Madrid.

Left-Forward: Wayne Rooney

A controversial selection to complete the attacking trident, Rooney hasn’t always been a favourite for United fans, 2 transfer requests in the past 3 years and off the pitch antics have dragged his name through dirt, but he has been an integral part to United’s dominance of the Premier League. 146 Premier League goals in 287 appearances isn’t bad at all, and has, for the most of his career, lived up to the large transfer fee.