My Manchester United Dream XI

Argue all you like, but in terms of global appeal no one can deny Manchester United‘s numero-uno stature… yes Real and Milan have had bigger successes at the European stage, but for me, for the last 20 years, no single club has revolutionized the world of football the way the Red Devils have. Be it India, China, Japan, ASEAN, US or Korea, fan following for Manchester United has been absolutely crazy. So i’m giving my shot at setting up a Manchester United dream XI. This list will include only post-1990 players (comparing players of different era is not very rational).

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel

A very straight forward choice isn’t it? Arguably the greatest goalkeeper of the generation, pips ahead of Edwin Van Der Sar and i’m sure even VDS would agree with it. Aggressive and charismatic, the Dan was a great captain too…

Right Back: Gary Neville

Who else, but Red Nev. One of the Fergie Fledglings who were instrumental in creating the aura that is Manchester United and he walks straight into the XI (not much competition, is there?). But i have to admit he is a player with limited ability (at least post-30). I hope in 5 yrs, Rafael will replace him in this list.

Centrebacks: Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic

NEmanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand

There hasn’t been one centre back pairing that I can think of who had such consistency and commanded so much respect as Rio andVidic have. Stam and Pallister could’ve comein, but more than anything, the almost telepathic understanding between the current pair makes them my first choice.

Left Back: Patrice Evra

The flying Frenchman is easily the best left back in the world at the moment along with Ashley Cole. For long i’ve admired and been envious of Real and Arsenal for having Roberto Carlos and Cole. Supreme both defensively and in the offense, the two were hugely responsible for all the great success their respective clubs had. But finally we got our own version. A super consistent performer for the past 3 yrs, Evra is a United hero already…

Right MF: David Beckham

Becks mania!

Many CR7 fans might argue with my selection, but hey this man Beckham has done to United what no other palyer was/is capable of. He made the clup a global phenomenon. If Man Utd are the biggest club in the world, the club and its fans owe it to Becks as much as they do for Sir Alex. Amazingly talented footballer who has his heart always beat for Man United.

Becks left in 2003 and we played like dogs for 3 seasons. Ronaldo left United and we fell just 1 point short of Chelsea and almost won the champions league but for the stupidity of Rafael Da Silva. Now you know whom we miss more.

Centre Midfield: Paul Scholes and Roy Keane (C)

Two super legends of Manchester United. Scholes’ box to box moves over the years are legendary and so is Keane’s prowess. Keane is the skipper of this side as well. Irreplaceable, I say…

Left MF: Ryan Giggs

A straight forward choice again. Arguably the greatest left winger to have ever played the game. Giggs also scored one of the best goals of the past two decades (vs Arsenal FA cup SF).

Strikers: Eric Cantona & Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Cantona was one of the stars most instrumental in helping United start their dominance in the Premier League. Extraordinary presence and footballing skill make him one of the best ever Premier League players.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy along with Thierry Henry are for me the best strikers of the past decade. Unbelievably consistent but he did lose form once Becks left. If Beckham was not in the team, i’d have probably picked Rooney ahead of him…

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Need I say more???