United’s Team of the Decade

As we come to the end of another decade of United dominance in the Premier League, I have decided to try and pick what I believe to be the best eleven players to have stepped out on to the famous Old Trafford pitch for the Red Devils in that time.

As my selection for United’s ultimate Premier League team didn’t go down too well, I am hoping that I’ll have more luck this time.

So here’s my team:

Van Der Sar

Neville  Ferdinand Vidic  Evra

Beckham Keane  Giggs  Ronaldo

Rooney Van Nistelrooy

I personally believe that there was only one choice for the position of United’s keeper of the decade. After a number of failed replacements for Peter Schmeichel, with the likes of Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich failing to impress, United eventually found the solution when they signed Edwin Van Der Sar from Fulham. Even though it seemed as though he was coming to the end of his career, he has given United four years of top saves and some much needed consistency that provided the platform for United’s success over that period.

In defence, Gary Neville was a key figure in United’s success at the beginning of the decade and has taken over as United captain after the departure of Roy Keane. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have forged a brilliant partnership together reminiscent of Bruce and Pallister in the 90’s. Even though Rio has gone through a rough patch recently, he has been a top performer for the club, while Vidic has cemented himself a cult status since arriving from Spartak Moscow. Patrice Evra recovered from a slow start to his United career, to establish himself as possibly the best attacking wing back in the world.

Much of the midfield could have been included in a best eleven from the 90’s – with David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs carrying their form through to the noughties. The selection of Cristiano Ronaldo, in my opinion, is one that cannot be questioned. His contribution to the club since 2003 was immense – from his goals to the way he destroyed the weaker sides in the Premier League, he has to be included.

Finally, in attack I have gone for Wayne Rooney and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Rooney’s inclusion comes on the basis that he is the most talented English player for years and although he may occasionally lack some of the goalscoring prowess of others, his sheer brilliance and awareness of others means that he has to be included in my selection. Ruud Van Nistelrooy is in the team simply because he was, in my opinion, the ultimate goal poacher. Time and time again, a brilliant United attack would end with a clinical finish from the Dutchman, and his scoring record cannot be questioned.

So there it is, my United team of the decade. What do you think? Is there anyone you would have picked that I haven’t or have I actually done a decent job this time?

By Harry Veal