Manchester United are one of the most successful and decorated football teams in the world and as a result, they boast a sizeable global fan-base. The Red Devils have won a record 20 league titles, 12 FA Cups and they’ve also been triumphant in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League on multiple occasions. Although their most notable success arrived under the stewardship of Sir. Alex Ferguson, back in 1968, they became the first club to clinch the European Cup.
Although they haven’t quite reached the same heights in recent seasons, the Premier League side continue to be formidable opposition in European competitions and according to the latest Europa League outright odds, they have been priced up amongst the favourites by the majority of the best betting sites including 10Bet and 888Sport.
The Red Devils remain a work-in-progress under Erik Ten Tag, however, we’ve picked out the best Manchester United team of all time and put together a truly formidable XI.
Peter Schmeichel
Although we must give an honourable mention to Edwin Van Der Saar, there can only one candidate in this position. The commanding Dane spent eight years at Old Trafford and clocked up over 300 appearances across all competitions. He was a popular figure at the club and undisputed number one for his country. His son Kasper has followed in his footsteps and although he has previously been linked with a move to the North West, he’s currently plying his trade at OGC Nice in Ligue 1.
Dennis Irwin
Despite enjoying successful spells at Leeds and Wolves, Irwin is undoubtedly remembered for his dependable performances at Old Trafford. As the joint-most successful Irish footballer in the history of the game, the unflappable left-back is an iconic figure and clocked up over 500 appearances for Manchester United.
Although his primary purpose was to prevent the opposition from getting down the flank, Irwin also had an eye for goal and found the back of the net over 30 times during his successful stint at the club.
Gary Neville
Although Gary Neville is best-known for his punditry and football club ownership these days, the ever-reliable right-back was one of the most reliable operators of the 1990s.
Having made his debut at Old Trafford in 1992, he spent 19 seasons representing his boyhood-club and chalked up over 600 appearances in the process. The England international retired in 2011 with a haul of 20 trophies, including eight Premier League trophies and two Champions League successes.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand has plenty of competition at centre back, however, the commanding Londoner is one of the most successful defenders to have worn the iconic Manchester United shirt. Having featured in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions and having established himself as a regular on the international scene, the defender-turned pundit, justified his hefty price tag and left the club having accrued 14 trophies including six Premier League titles.
Gary Pallister
Although there is always plenty of discussion surrounding the cost of Rio Ferdinand, his fellow defender Gary Pallister had previously broke the national record for a fee paid for a defender. He struck up an understanding and formidable partnership with Steve Bruce, although he looked equally comfortable alongside both David May and Ronny Johnsen. With four PL titles, four FA Cup victories and a UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup under his belt, he remains one of the most successful defenders to have graced the top flight.
Roy Keane
The Irishman is a controversial figure and is renowned for his aggressive streak, however, his no-nonsense performances were integral to United’s success in the 1990s. He spent 13 seasons at the club and having taken over from Eric Cantona as captain of the side, he led by example until heading north of the border in 2005.
Paul Scholes
Despite starting life as a striker, Paul Scholes was promptly converted into a central midfielder by an astute Sir Alex Ferguson and he managed to make the position his own. His goal-scoring tendencies helped to endear him to the Old Trafford faithful and he was also famed for his incredible technical ability. Having been called ‘the best central midfielder’ by Xavi, this one-club man has to be included in our Manchester United XI.
David Beckham
Although David Beckham was often making the headline for his off-field endeavours, he is undoubtedly one of the most gifted footballers of all-time. He won 14 trophies during his successful stint at Old Trafford and is one of the best set-piece specialists to have graced the Premier League. He will be forever remembered for his goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon.
Ryan Giggs
Giggs is another player who simply cannot miss out on our XI. The Welshman spent 23 seasons at the club and was included into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007. He still holds the record for the most assists in the history of the Premier League and with over 30 trophies accrued during his time at the club, he is undoubtedly one of the most magical players to have ever stepped onto the Old Trafford turf.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole is perhaps best known for his partnership with Dwight Yorke, however, the Englishman was clearly the most successful half of the duo and played a key role in the treble-winning season of 1999. He scored the winning goal against Spurs to ensure that the Red Devils clinched the PL trophy and his strike against Juventus helped to ensure that his side qualified for the UCL final.
Eric Cantona
Although he only spent six seasons at the club, Eric Cantona simply has to be regarded as one of United’s best-ever players. The Frenchman was rarely far from controversy, however, his on-field contributions cannot be underestimated. He left the club with two FA Cups, and four PL titles and netted over 70 times during his successful six year stint.
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