Now I know these things are mostly based on opinion, but i’ve decided to have a go at selecting my personal favourite United XI under Fergie’s 26-year reign. Sir Alex has made some genius signings in his time, as well as some extremely bad ones, so look out for a Fergie flop XI later on today.
Peter Schmeichel – Sir Alex bought the Great Dane from Brondby for a fee of £505,000 in 1991. Schmeichel played 393 times for United and won the lot, including 5 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups and a Champions League title.
Gary Neville – Now an expert pundit, the right-back came from the famed class of 1992. He was a real one club man and was United through and through. Neville also reached 85 caps for England before retiring in 2007.
Rio Ferdinand – A lot was said when we paid £30million for Rio, but what service he has given us. He has been at the club for 11 years now and this season is arguably his best ever for us. He has more than merited a new contract offer in the summer.
Nemanja Vidic – Many people including myself wrote Nemanja off after that horrific injury he suffered against Basel last year, this season he has come back better than ever. We paid £7million for him back in 2005 and is definitely one of the best defenders the Premier League has ever seen.
Dennis Irwin – Dennis just edged Patrice Evra out for the left-back spot. He made over 400 appearances for United after a £625,000 fee and scored 33 goals in all competitions.
Bryan Robson – Captain Marvel pretty much carried our team for at least five years. Although he wasn’t signed by Ferguson he was still a pivotal piece in the United jigsaw under him.
Roy Keane – Arguably our best ever midfielder. He commanded the middle of the pitch in that 1999 treble winning season and was never afraid to shout at his own players. Always demanded 100% from everyone and wasn’t happy till he got it.
Paul Scholes – My favourite United player. The way he pings the ball around the field is pure magic. After he retired two years ago, then announced he missed the game and came back out of retirement to appear on the bench against City was genius. Fully expect him to call it a day for good this summer, though.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Ronaldo was signed for £12million from his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon after Sir Alex and his men played them in a friendly. The tricky winger quickly became the best player in the league before jetting off to Madrid. My only criticism. of him is that he didn’t stay here long enough.
Ryan Giggs – What can you say about Ryan Giggs? Over 900 United appearances to date, but sadly I think he’ll call it a day at the end of this season. Especially after Sir Alex decided to retire.
Eric Cantona – I am not a man, I am Cantona. Signed for £1million from rivals Leeds United in 1992. He was the central point and father figure in that United team and he never once wilted under the pressure. What a player.
Disagree with my XI? (which you probably do), leave a comment below explaining why!
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