Open Mic: My Best Manchester United Premier League XI

I am acutely aware at what a difficult task it is to name an all time Manchester United XI. With a history as rich and colourful as Manchester United's it is inevitable that some great players will be left out.

Therefore I have decided to limit my selection to the time in which I have supported the club; effectively since the dawn of the Premier League era. This means that fantastic players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, Dennis Law and George Best will not be considered for this particular line-up.

I felt that as I have never actually seen them play I am not really in a position to comment on them. I am not in any way attempting to discredit them, however, as I have been assured by my father and video footage that they were brilliant footballers.

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel

Quite simply the best goalkeeper the club has ever had. The monumental presence and ability the Danish stopper offered was probably worth an extra 10 points a season. Blessed with great agility for a man of his size and with a rare ability to make incredible saves. 

You may remember an incredible performance away at Newcastle United where he made five or six brilliant saves in the first half alone, giving United the impetus to find a solitary winning goal just after the break.

Right Full-Back: Gary Neville

For me there is nobody else worth considering for this as Gary Neville has been an influential and integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for more than 10 years now.

Coming towards the end of his career now but in his prime he was quick and reads the game better than most. A bizarrely under-rated player outside of Old Trafford.

Eight League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and a League Cup is an incredible haul for a player so passionate about the Manchester United cause.

Left Full-Back: Patrice Evra

The other choice for this slot was Dennis Irwin, who was a good player. Very consistent and an assured set-piece taker. However, despite a shaky start, two brilliant seasons from the dynamic Frenchman have seen him edge ahead of Irwin.

Evra's forward surges are a joy to behold. He seems to pick the right moments to go forward and forms a formidable left-wing partnership with Ryan Giggs. He is also more than competent in defence; strong in the tackle and deceptively good in the air for a short man. Probably the finest left-back in world football today.

Centre-Halves: Rio Ferdinand & Nemanja Vidic

In my humble opinion Manchester United's most successful periods have come when there has been a settled defensive partnership. Whilst Bruce and Pallister were fine defenders this honor must go to Rio and Nemanja Vidic for the simple fact that their partnership played a huge part in Manchester United's European success in 2007/08.

They compliment each other fantastically. Rio's composure and Vidic's no-nonsense, aggressive style have been at the forefront of Manchester United's success over the last two years. They also present a significant goal threat in the opposition box from set-pieces.

Right Wing: Andrei Kanchelskis

Perhaps not an obvious choice for this position given that he's up against David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. He was a personal favourite of mine because of his scintillating pace and decent goal-scoring record.

He is still the last person to have scored a hat-trick in a Manchester Derby, which came in a 5-1 mauling back in 1994. Yes he was greedy and selfish (not just on the pitch) but he had the ability to justify this. United were almost unstoppable on the break with him and Ryan Giggs on the wings in the early 1990's

Left Wing: Ryan Giggs

The most decorated player in Manchester United's history, as well as the record appearance holder. Giggs fully deserves this position not only for his talent and ability but also because he is an example to young players today on how to lead their professional lives.

I have seen Giggs' career develop from raw and uniquely quick winger to a veteran midfielder. A sign of his greatness is his ability to adapt his game to his increased age. He is no longer a free-flowing wide man but he is no less effective is his re-moulded role.

Central Midfield: Roy Keane (C)

Eyebrows were raised when Sir Alex Ferguson parted with a then British record transfer fee of £3.75m in 1993. Keane quickly set about proving that he more than justified this transfer fee as he became the most influential skipper at the club in recent times.

His temper was an issue but without it Keane would not have been half the player he was. It gave him his unquenchable desire to win and drive to succeed which made him the finest midfield player in Europe at one point. Just remember his performance in April 1999 in Turin against Juventus where he inspired a comeback from 2-0 down despite knowing that a booking would rule him out of the final.

Central Midfield: Paul Scholes

Great goalscorer from midfield and probably the best technical player England has produced since Glenn Hoddle. Not one for the lime-light but who can argue with his selection when people such as Roy Keane have said he is the best player he has ever played with.

His range of passing is brilliant and his technique when striking a ball is rare. His goal versus Bradford City from David Beckham's corner on the volley is a great example of this. One of my favourite players of all time, so I won't mention his dreadful tackling!

Centre-Forward: Eric Cantona

It is true that Cantona too often flattered to deceive on the European stage but his signing was the catalyst for Manchester United's first league title in 26 years. His legendary status is safe among United fans because of this.

He was mercurial and elusive, but brilliant as well. His form in the title race in 1994 was out of this world. Able to link the play from midfield he formed a good understanding with Mark Hughes. His goal in the FA Cup Final in 1996 against Liverpool will go down as not only one of the most dramatic, but also one of the best.

Centre-Forward: Ruud van Nistelrooy

Despite leaving the club following a controversial falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006 I have to include van Nistelrooy. He was sometimes lazy and disinterested, but it was this nature which made him even more dangerous as he could strike just when you least expected.

He was lethal in front of goal as 150 goals in just over 200 games shows. He was a real "fox-in-the-box" type of striker who scored the vast majority of his goals in the penalty area. He was quick, good in the air and more skilful than he was often given credit for and I believe his sheer goal-scoring ability warrants his place in this side.

Substitutes: Edwin van der Sar, Steve Bruce, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney.

This is a topic which is obviously completely subjective but nevertheless I'd still welcome everybody's opinions and thoughts!