The Best Man United Team of the EPL-Era?

By: Rob | January 27th, 2009

Paul Scholes announcing who the best players he’s ever played alongside are, is an interesting proposition for a number of reasons. Firstly, he never says anything. Secondly, he’s played his entire career alongside the dominant players of the Premier League-era. Usually the “Of the Premier League” exclusion of Division One is absolutely pointless, but in this case its rather interesting, because its when United suddenly came really good.

Scholes team is interesting as well. He takes Wes Brown in the centre of defence. No Steve Bruce, Jaap Stam, Gary Pallister. He doesn’t pick the much beloved and iconic Eric Cantona, instead taking his replacement, Teddy Sherringham. He picks David Beckham out at Right wing instead of Ronaldo.

Here is the XI (and the bench) that Scholes has picked. Schmeichel; G Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Irwin; Beckham, Keane, Robson (capt), Giggs; Van Nistelrooy, Sheringham.
Substitutes: Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Carrick, Butt, P Neville, Stam.

Now its your turn.

Scholes’s selection is interestingly weighted to the late 90s – The Beckham-Keane-Scholes-Giggs midfield that terrified all Europe in 1999 makes it, with the exception of the man himself. The modern players – Ronaldo, Rooney, Carrick, Tevez, only make the bench.

Speaking of which, is Nicky Butt really that good? Did I miss something?

Can’t help thinking Man United fans will note the lack of Cantona though – and maybe there is a suggestion that Cantona wasn’t quite as influential on the dressing room as we thought.

Anyhow, I’m throwing this open to The Offside. Who is the best XI – and subs if you wish – to have played for United since they won the inagural Premier League title.

Mine would be something like

Schmeichel, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Pallister, Irwin, Beckham, Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Cantona, Van Nisto

Subs: Van Der Saar, Stam, Ronaldo, Sherringham, Solskjaer, Robson, Rooney

Let me know what you think.