Manchester United: My All-Time Starting XI

I’ve supported Manchester United for as long as I can remember now, but I must admit, picking my ultimate starting XI isn’t as easy as it sounds. Over the past decade I’ve come to adore countless players who’ve made their mark at Old Trafford and many I will forever hold close to my heart.

I think it would be easier if I could just name my all-time 26-man squad. Even then I might have some trouble leaving some players out though.

So naming 11 players, plus six subs, is a lot harder than it sounds for me. But I’ll give it my best shot. My all-time lineup isn’t based on skill or anything related to that, but it’s based on how important of a figure each player was to the wonderful football club of Manchester United and how big of an impact each one had.

GK:  Peter Schmeichel. Known as the “Great Dane,” Schmeichel is best known for his heroics during the treble winning season in 99’. But his ultra-competitiveness and boundless motivation along with his great goalkeeping skills make him one of the best goalkeepers to have ever stood between the posts at Old Trafford. This one was a no brainer.

RB:  Gary Neville. Even though he was injured for most of last season, you cannot minimize his importance to Manchester United. He’s a true servant in every sense of the word, and everytime he plays he gives his all. He’s as passionate about winning as anyone else on the pitch and his leadership skills can’t even be questioned. He’s a heck of a defender too.

CB:  Steve Bruce. As solid and reliable as any defender comes, Bruce was the bedrock of United’s success in the 90’s. Not to mention he had quite the goalscoring record too (51 goals in total isn’t bad for a centre-back!) Bruce also demonstrated great spirit and motivation whenever he was on the pitch and his impact for United was incredible.

CB:  Rio Ferdinand. He may be the most expensive defender in the world, but he’s also one of the best. But he’s so much more about just tidying up in the back. Rio has become a true leader for United, stepping up in the absence of Gary Neville, and helping lead his team to a League and European double last year. There’s a lot more to come from him too.

LB:  Dennis Irwin. Some of you may argue with this, but I couldn't care less. Irwin was one of the greatest transfer bargains in the history of world football (signed for half a million pounds). And when you consider he served 11 years in which he made a total of 511 appearances and was steady as a rock throughout, Irwin was a bargain. But he was so much more than just a "bargain," he was an integral part of United’s success in the 90’s. The seven Premiership titles and three FA Cup medals speak for itself.

RM:  George Best. What can I say? He might just be the most talented footballer to ever walk the earth. Best was a magician, a genius, and undoubtedly, a legend. He could beat any opponent with his dazzling skills and pace, and never ever showed a lack of determination. United owe a lot to him for their first European triumph in 1968.

CM:  Paul Scholes. A member of “Fergie’s Fledglings,” Scholes is as good as any central midfielder comes. His passing, his creativity and awareness, as well as his brilliant shooting ability, make Scholes one of the best United midfielders to ever grace the pitch. His commitment to the club has never been in doubt and he’s always been a big part of United’s success.

CM:  Bryan Robson. I’ve never seen a player with so much determination and commitment to his club. He was the driving force behind the team in the 80’s and whenever he wasn’t on the the pitch United struggled. He was also a great leader and definitely one of the best midfielders to ever play for Manchester United.

LM:  Ryan Giggs. Never has there been and never will there be a more committed player to United. He’s made more appearances than any United player in history and his list of honors is seemingly endless. He’s one of the greatest talents to ever come out of the youth system at United, and probably one of the best midfielders to ever run up and down the wing in the Premiership, if not the world. I consider myself lucky just to be alive and been able to see him play.

RF:  Sir Bobby Charlton. As much as of a legend as any player will ever be. He survived the Munich Disaster in '58 and ten years later he helped United win their first European title. He was an amazing centre-forward and his commitment to the  club never once came into question. I could go on forever about him. The things he did on the pitch for Manchester United were incredible.

LF:  Dennis Law. The “King of Old Trafford” is what Law was known by during the '60’s. He was a spectacular player and could put the ball in the back of the net whenever and however he wanted. George Best even described him as being the "best in the business," and if someone as great as Best can say that about you, it must mean you are pretty amazing. Law was always dedicated to United and was responsible for much of their success in the 60’s.

SUBS:

Roy Keane (It wasn’t easy leaving him out, but he would definitely be my first choice sub.)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Who else would you want coming off the bench?!)

Cristiano Ronaldo (He’s not a legend yet, but he’s already had a big impact at United.)

Jaap Stam (Another difficult decision leaving him on the bench.)

Eric Cantona (Footballing genius and a major part of United folklore.)

Mark Hughes (An incredible player for United, and yet another tough decision leaving him out.) 

Anyways, that’s my all-time Manchester United lineup. If all of these players could actually play together, I know without a doubt they’d be the most unstoppable team in the world. Thanks for reading…