Manchester United: Picking Their Best Ever Premier League Starting XI

In an era where success is demanded now rather than later, one man stands above his peers for his ability to consistently refresh and regenerate. Sir Alex Ferguson is currently in the process of rebuilding his fourth Manchester United Premier League team, having nurtured and purchased some of the greatest talent in the English game since he took over Manchester United in 1986.

Given that Manchester United have won an unprecedented 12 Premier League titles under the Scot, the selection of the club's greatest starting XI of the modern era is a formidable task. While United have never been afraid to spend the astonishing amounts required to acquire silverware, only three of the XI on show here would fall into that price category.

As with all ''best of'' lists, the absence of certain names may raise a David Beckham-esque eyebrow. Alternatively it might leave you pulling your hair out to the point of a pre-operation Wayne Rooney resemblance. What's for certain is that the talent on offer on the next 11 slides is some of the greatest the game has ever seen.

The breakdown of nationalities sees a Dane, a Serb, a Portuguese, a Welshman, two Irishmen, two Dutchmen, two Englishmen and a regal Frenchman don the red of the Old Trafford outfit.

Let the debate begin.

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel

As dependable as Edwin van der Sar was throughout his glittering Manchester United career, the position of goalkeeper in this team was never in doubt. Proving to be not only the greatest netminder in the history of the Premier League, Schmeichel has a legitimate claim to being the best of all time.

The Great Dane was purchased from Brondby in 1991 for a bargain £505,000. During his eight years at he club he would win five Premier League titles, one Champions League, five FA Cups and one League Cup.

His most memorable moment for United fans was his penalty save when facing Dennis Bergkamp in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal in 1999. Ryan Giggs would go on to score a famous winner.

Schmeichel would captain United to victory in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane. His final season with Manchester United culminated in an historic treble and was a fitting end to the Danish international's time at Old Trafford.

Right-Back: Gary Neville

Starting out as one of Fergie's Fledglings upon his debut in 1992, Gary Neville would go on to captain Manchester United while making over 600 appearances.

Deployed as a right-back, his determination and commitment to the Reds would endear him to the fans for the entirety of his career. As part of the class of 92, his emergence to the senior side coincided with that of United legends Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Although never a prolific goal scorer; he bagged seven in total, his forward bursts and consistent crossing resulted in numerous assists for the Manchester native.

He holds the honour of being the fifth club captain after Robson, Bruce, Cantona and Keane to lift the Premier League trophy. 

Neville retired from professional football with the distinction of only four other players—Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bill Foulkes and Paul Scholes—having made more appearances for United than him. 

Centre-Back: Jaap Stam

For most Manchester United fans and in equal measure Sir Alex Ferguson, Stam will be remembered as the one who got away. Sold at the height of his powers to Lazio for £16.5m in 2001, it was a swift reminder that nobody is bigger than Ferguson at the club.

A towering powerhouse of a central defender, Stam's game-reading abilities and aerial dominance resulted in him amassing three Premier League titles and a Champions League winner's medal during his three years at United.

Stam was sold on the back of the controversy that arose from the publishing of his autobiography, in which he alleged that Ferguson's initial purchase attempt was done so unlawfully.

Ferguson has since resolved any differences he had with the giant Dutchman, but recalls the sale of Stam as "One of the mistakes I made—hopefully I haven't made too many—but that was one''.  

Centre-Back: Nemanja Vidic

It would be fair to say that the majority of Manchester United fans were blissfully unaware of the former Serbian international prior to his arrival at Old Trafford in 2006.

What was not so obvious at the time of his signing was that the £7m arrival would eventually become the mainstay of the United defence and a future captain.

All the attributes a modern day defender requires, Vidic has in spades. The 30-year-old is tall, athletic, powerful in the air and a consistent goal-scoring threat from corners and set pieces.

During the 2008 season he was shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award. He was present as a starter for all of Manchester United's 14 consecutive game clean-sheet streak, a British record. 2008 also saw him win both the fans' and players' player of the year award.

Rugged and uncompromising, the capture of Vidic for such a small fee will be remembered as one of the greatest pieces of business by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Left-Back: Denis Irwin

A true modern day Manchester United great, Dennis Irwin would enjoy an illustrious career during his time at Old Trafford. Signed from Oldham for £625,000, he would feature at both left- and right-back during the his next 12 years with the club.

The Cork native is certainly the unsung hero of the XI featured here, which is phenomenal given his status as the second-most decorated player in Manchester United's history.

His dependability and eye for goal would result in Sir Alex Ferguson describing Irwin as ''pound for pound, my greatest signing.'' 

Deployed on either side of the defence, the former Leeds man would notch an impressive 33 goals in his 529 games for the club. With an ability to score free kicks and penalties, Irwin was one of the ultra professional athletes that Sir Alex Ferguson so desperately tried to surround himself with.

His name still reverberates around the Old Trafford terraces and since his retirement from football in 2004, he can be found working at MUTV.  

Right Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo

While many would call for the inclusion of David Beckham on the right of midfield, the achievements of Ronaldo in his six years at Manchester United are too hard to ignore.

Making 292 appearances while scoring 118 goals, Ronaldo's versatility to play in midfield or up front make him a must for an all-time Premiership XI.

The 06/07 season saw Ronaldo join Andy Gray as the only players to have won the PFA Young Player and Player's Player of the Year awards in the same season. This was the prefect way to cap a year that saw him win the Premier League title and finish with 23 goals in total.

His most memorable season in a Manchester United shirt was 2007/08. Scoring a phenomenal 42 goals in all competitions, he was the catalyst for success as United claimed a domestic and European double. Securing the Premier League title, they would then defeat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow, with Ronaldo scoring a decisive headed goal to give them the lead.

Having developed from an obvious talent to maturity, Ronaldo's brilliance was officially confirmed upon his receipt of the Ballon d'Or in 2008.

Unfortunately for Manchester United fans, Ronaldo's exploits attracted an incredible offer from his European suitors. In July 2009 Ronaldo headed for warmer pastures and signed for Real Madrid for a world record £80m.

Centre Midfield: Roy Keane(Captain)

They don't come much better or more influential than the second Irishman to feature in this Premiership XI.

The ultimate professional and leader of men, Keane's time at United would see him secure his status as an all-time Reds legend.

Ferguson's acquisition of Keane from Nottingham Forest in 1993 would usher in a period of domestic domination for United. Keane's ability to go box to box with an eye for goal ensures his 480 appearances for the club would result in a total of 51 goals scored.

The match most befitting of his legacy is the semifinal Champions League away game in Turin. Against a star-studded Juventus team, Keane would haul Manchester United back into the game from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 victory.

Having been yellow carded earlier in the game, he was sure to miss the Champions League final should United qualify. Keane displayed his finest professional appearance in his desire to assist the his teammates in securing a spot in the final.

Sir Alex Ferguson would later describe Keane's performance that night as ''The most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field.''

Like a handful of players in the past, Keane would fall out of favour with Ferguson after his critical comments of his teammate's performance. His contract was terminated in 2005 and he would subsequently join Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic. 

Centre Midfield: Paul Scholes

One of only two players selected to still be playing for Manchester United. This is a testament to his attitude toward professionalism and his abilities as a player.

Graduating alongside the Neville brothers, Beckham and Giggs, Scholes would make his Manchester United debut against Port Vale in 1994, bagging a brace in a 2-1 victory. From here on Scholes would develop into the greatest English player of his generation.

Sir Alex Ferguson's recognition of his talents and game control would ensure that Scholes was a mainstay in the United midfield for 17 seasons prior to his retirement. The same can't be said for the English national team, as Scholes retired from International football due to a disbelieving lack of opportunity.

Up to his retirement in 2011, Scholes had amassed 10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions League winners medals.

2012 would see the Ginger Prince reverse his decision to enter retirement and return to the United midfield in an FA Cup tie away to rivals Manchester City. Easily one of the most technically gifted players to appear for United, his legacy and haul of medals can still be added to in 2012.

Left Wing: Ryan Giggs

What more can you say about Ryan Giggs that hasn't been said already? The unused superlatives required to describe his career at United are diminishing with each year he continues to play.

Another product of the Manchester United academy, there was never any doubt that Ryan Giggs would enjoy a long and distinguished career at Old Trafford. At the time of writing he has appeared 898 times, a feat that is all the more impressive given the financially driven motives of the modern day footballer.

Giggs' first trophy for United was secured in 1991, as Manchester United defeated Red Star Belgrade in the European Super Cup final. This would be the start of Giggs' medal haul that would see him become the most decorated player in Manchester United's history.

He is currently the only player to have scored in every Premier League season, since it began in 1992. Astonishingly he was the recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award for only the first time in 2009.

His began his career on the left side of midfield, displaying dazzling skills and blistering pace. As the years have passed, Giggs has naturally lost that extra yard of pace but has matured in a central midfield role where his intelligence as a footballer is evident.

Still active having signed a one-year contract extension, Giggs will have more time to add to his list of accolades and possibly secure another league title to go with his current tally of 12.

Centre Forward: Ruud Van Nistelrooy

If you know Manchester United, then it's fairly evident who the final pick for this XI will be. Many people might feel that Wayne Rooney should have occupied this spot and he may well do so in years to come. For the time being, the first forward position goes to the most natural goalscorer in United's Premier League era.

Purchased for a British record fee of £19m from PSV Eindhoven in 2001, Ruud van Nistelrooy would break a number of Manchester United goal scoring records. He is currently the club's leading European goalscorer, after overtaking Dennis Law with 38 goals.

His ability to position himself in the right area inside the 18-yard box would see him score 150 goals in only 219 games. For this reason, his place in the side is pivotal given the ability of the other nine outfield players to provide him with goal-scoring opportunities.

He would win the PFA Player of the Year award during the 2001/02 season netting 36 goals in 49 games. This goal-scoring achievement would be eclipsed the following year when his haul of 44 goals in 52 games would help Manchester United secure another Premier League title.

As with both Stam and Keane, van Nistelrooy's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson soured to the point of him leaving the club. Having received a more than adequate return on his investment, Ferguson would agree to selling van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid in 2006.

Centre Forward: Eric Cantona

There can only be one King of Old Trafford and that honour is reserved for the mercurial and artistic Frenchman.

Skillful, powerful and astonishingly flamboyant, Cantona's time spent in the colours of Manchester United is deceptively short in comparison to the majority of players included in this team.

Signed from Leeds United for the minuscule sum of £1.2m in 1992, Cantona would lead United to a total of four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his five years playing. As a club that relishes entertaining football, there was none more so than the stiff-collared Frenchman.

His goal return of 82 in only 185 appearances fail to convey his imperious ability to be both scorer and creator in equal measure. Cantona would prove to be the missing piece of the 1992 United team that secured the club's first league title since 1966/67.

His debut season would see him become the first player to win back-to-back English top division league titles with different teams. The following season he would be voted PFA Player of the Year.

His most controversial year with the Red Devils came in 1994/95 when he was suspended and convicted of assault for his attack on a Crystal Palace fan. He would return from a nine-month ban to convert a penalty and secure a point against United's fiercest rivals Liverpool, adding to his already legendary status.

The 1996/97 season saw him installed as club captain and he would help United to the final of his four league haul. He would announce his retirement from professional football aged 30 at the end of the season.

If ever there was a player that embodied the on pitch ethos of Manchester United it was ''King Eric''. To be held in such high regard given that greats like Charlton, Law and Best are among the pantheon of Old Trafford legends, speaks volumes for his impact on Manchester United.