Manchester United Dream XI: The Sir Alex Ferguson Era

The greatest manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson has been at the helm of Manchester United for a quarter of a century which makes me disappointed to have only been alive for 19 years of this magnificent achievement. Ferguson is incomparable to any other manager and is on the verge of his 19th title with the Old Trafford club, prompting me to pick out my dream team of his wonderful era at the most beautiful club in the world, Manchester United.

Goalkeeper: Edwin Van Der Sar

Michael Regan/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United celebrates after his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Manchester United and Schalke at Old Trafford on May 4, 2011 in Manchester,

Many will question the absence of Peter Schmeichel and with good reason. The two are almost impossible to separate in terms of ability, maybe the Great Dane just edges it but Edwin brings a calmness incomparable. The save in Moscow says it all. Edwin will be sorely missed by the Old Trafford faithful. 

Right Back: Gary Neville

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Paul Scholes of Manchester United is kissed by team mate Gary Neville after scoring the winning goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the City of Manchester Stadium

There is little point in even stating the reasons for this choice as is it a certain, no contest! Everyone get down to Old Trafford on the 24th May and pay your respects to this United legend.

Centre Back: Jaap Stam

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

20 Feb 2000: Jaap Stam of Manchester United challenges Harry Kewell of Leeds United during the FA Carling Premiership game between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds, England. The match finished 0-1 to Manchester United. \ Mandato

The big Dutchman left Manchester United at the age of 29 for a big money move to Lazio, but even Ferguson admits it was a mistake. Played a crucial role at the heart of the defence in the Treble winning team of 1999.

Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United gestures during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON semi final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/G

Best centre back in the world right now. Scored the winning goal at the weekend to help all but seal that crucial 19th league title. Inspiration at the back this season, true captain.

Left Back: Patrice Evra

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - APRIL 26: Patrice Evra of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between FC Schalke 04 and Manchester United at Veltins Arena on April 26, 2011 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo b

Great defender and adds another dimension to United's attacking play. Incredible servant to Old Trafford over the recent years and has done remarkably well after his torrid debut against City.

Right Wing: David Beckham

Clive Rose/Getty Images

LONDON - APRIL 27: David Beckham of Manchester United strikes the ball during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on April 27, 2003 at White Hart Lane in London. Manchester United won the match 2-0. (Phot

Greatest crosser of the ball in the history of the game. Service unmatched since his departure. A great footballer and an even better man, true inspiration to many.

Centre Mid: Paul Scholes

Michael Regan/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Paul Scholes of Manchester United lines up prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Manchester United and Schalke at Old Trafford on May 4, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan

Zinedine Zidane : "Scholes is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation."

Enough said.

Centre Mid: Roy Keane

Phil Cole/Getty Images

CARDIFF, WALES - MAY 21: Patrick Vieira of Arsenal and Roy Keane of Manchester United battle for the ball during the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester United at The Millennium Stadium on May 21, 2005 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Phil Cole/Gett

He truly was Captain Fantastic. An inspiration to his team mates with his unbeatable motivation and desire to win. Opponents feared him, Old Trafford loved him.

Left Wing: Ryan Giggs

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Ryan Giggs of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/

The greatest footballer of all time. The 37 year old still plays as if he is in his teens with the remarkable ability to adapt his game to any position. This will be his 12th Premier League title this season and continues as Britain's most decorated footballer of all time. The pride of Wales, and Manchester United's favourite son.

Forward: Wayne Rooney

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates after he scores a goal from an overhead kick during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on February 12, 2011 in Ma

Will be considered the greatest Manchester United and England player of all time when his career is over.

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON - SEPTEMBER 21: A rear view of Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on September 21, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Imag

Fergie said he would take Cristiano over Messi and he is right. Obviously the general consensus is that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, but this is not the case. Ronaldo has everything there is to offer as a footballer and exceeds Messi as a player. He just needs to return to Old Trafford to prove he is the best once again!

Thank You, Sir Alex

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes a bow at the end of the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on May 8, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Get

Thank you, Sir Alex Ferguson for everything you have done for Manchester United and the fans over the years. A true football genius.

Bring on Barca!

Want to hear more views, follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/AlunLUHG