Picking a Manchester United Youth Team Graduates XI

Manchester United has always been known for its outstanding youth setup.

The club prides itself on raising top talent from a young age, players who subsequently go on to star for the first team.

The tactic has paid massive dividends and been a major contributor to the Red Devils' longevity and success.

Here is a Manchester United youth team graduates XI, composed of the finest kids who went on to make it.

GK: Jimmy Rimmer

Manchester United have historically not been flush with goalkeepers coming through the youth system.

At the moment, there is Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone who both look like decent prospects, but their time remains a long way off.

Jimmy Rimmer may be the best youth graduate to have played for the first team. He made close to 50 appearances for the Red Devils in the late-60's and early 70's.

Primarily serving as a backup to Alex Stepney, Rimmer still picked up an England cap during his career.

RB: Gary Neville

At right-back is club legend and lifelong fan, Gary Neville.

Neville joined the Red Devils aged 16 in 1991, and was a part of the legendary youth side named "Fergie's Fledglings" that also contained his brother Phil, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Gary made over 600 total appearances for United during his career. He won eight Premier League crowns and two Champions League titles.

A one-club man, he still attends games at Old Trafford despite being a pundit on television.

CB: Bill Foulkes

At centre-back is another long-serving Red who played his entire career at Old Trafford, Bill Foulkes.

Foulkes played for United between 1951 and 1970 after graduating through the youth system. He was a survivor of the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958.

He was a traditionally uncompromising defender who played with plenty of grit and determination.

Foulkes is currently fourth on the list of all-time appearances behind Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes.

CB: Duncan Edwards

The loss of Duncan Edwards in the Munich air disaster was one of the most tragic moments in football.

The youth graduate made his Manchester United debut aged only 16, and went on to make 177 appearances for the Red Devils during his short-lived career.

He was one of the most gifted players of his generation capable of playing just about any position on the pitch.

Current United defender Phil Jones has been compared with Edwards. In truth, there could be no higher praise.

LB: Roger Byrne

In a recent Sportsmail poll, Roger Byrne was voted the 11th greatest Manchester United player of all time.

The full-back was captain of the Busby Babes, and like Edwards, tragically lost his life in the Munich air disaster.

A born-leader, Byrne was a regular in the England national team and made 280 appearances for the Red Devils.

He was a staunch man who loved to attack down the left flank during games.

RM: David Beckham

Some football fans get wrapped up in the spin and the brand and forget the fact that David Beckham was truly one of the most talented players of his generation.

The right winger delivered countless quality crosses into the penalty area for the likes of Eric Cantona, Andy Cole and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

A boyhood fan, when he signed for the Red Devils on his 14th birthday it was truly a dream come true.

Beckham scored 85 goals for United in almost 400 appearances.

CM: Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has been connected with Manchester United since he was 14.

He grew up and played with "Fergie's Fledglings," arguably the most talented youth team in the history of football.

The midfield maestro, who could pick out a pass from a mile away, only retired from football this summer after 718 total games for the Red Devils.

His best season in the red shirt was the 2002/03 campaign, in which he scored 20 goals in all competitions.

CM: Sir Bobby Charlton

Is there an elder statesman in football who commands more respect than Sir Bobby Charlton?

The Manchester United legend played most of his football as a second forward, but for the purposes of this lineup, he takes his place alongside Paul Scholes in central midfield.

Charlton made an astounding 758 appearances for the Red Devils during his career, scoring 249 goals in all competitions.

He first signed for the club as a 15-year-old in 1953. He left to briefly play for Preston North End over 20 years later.

LM: Ryan Giggs

In terms of longevity and loyalty, no player in the Premier League era really comes close to matching Ryan Giggs' immense achievements.

The Welsh winger continues to terrify opposition defences today, 26 years after signing schoolboys forms for Manchester United.

He has continued to evolve and develop his game to suit his ageing body. He is a true professional who should be a role model for any aspiring footballer.

13 Premier League titles really speaks for itself.

AM: George Best

George Best may have been the most electrifying footballer of all time.

The lightning-quick winger would blitz past four or five defenders before they could realise what had happened.

The Manchester United legend scored an incredible 181 goals during his time at Old Trafford.

Those who saw him play in person will never forget it. He transcended the game.

ST: Mark Hughes

Like others on this list, Mark Hughes signed his first contract for Manchester United as a promising 14-year-old in 1978.

The forward had two spells at Old Trafford, leaving the Red Devils to join Barcelona in 1986, before returning two years later.

The clinical forward scored over 150 goals for United, the ninth-most for any player.

Now a mildly successful manager, Hughes will always be fondly remembered at the club for whom he made his name.

Who else could have been considered for this XI?