Unless you have been living under the sea, or more likely, unless you havent an interest in football, you couldnt have failed to notice the celebrations of 20 seasons in the Premier League, a festival of voting for goals, managers, teams, celebrations, socks, grass, weather Manchester United have, without question, been the greatest team in Premier League history. Twelve titles (perhaps thirteen if you have stumbled across this from the future) amongst others go some way to proving that. So in homage to the greatest ever Premier League Team, I have sought to try and pick their best ever Premier League XI, a debate that will rage on and on and on, to the point someone ends up in tears. If you think Ive got it wrong, prove it.
GK: Peter Schmeichel
If there has been a better keeper in Premier League history, Ill tell you that you are totally incorrect. The Great Dane has done more for red noses than Rudolph. And he wasnt bad at the old shot stopping. Plus, he threw in a couple of headed goals. His role in that final in Munich in 1999, making some world class saves and throwing himself at Beckhams corners will always be remembered. Legend.
LB: Denis Irwin
When I was growing up, Denis Irwin seemed to ALWAYS be in the team. No matter who United were playing, Irwin always put in a shift, and could hit a free-kick in his time. Now a pundit (as everyone seems to be) he is as passionate about the Red Devils as he has ever been.
RB: Gary Neville
Its a fact. No-one really likes Gary Neville. That is unless you are a United fan. And even at that he can be a bit of a tit now and again. But his passion for United was far reaching, so much so his celebration against Liverpool is almost as famous as the time he planted a smacker on the lips of Paul Scholes. Neville was a guarantee to be in the team if he was fit, and now he is putting all other pundits to shame by the sheer fact he understands the game.
CB: Nemanja Vidic
He comes from Serbia He has been sorely missed this season due to injury, but his tough tackling and determination to throw himself into every player on the pitch is rewarded with a place in my team. Last season he was being linked with a move away and every United fan held their breath. He could become the captain for the rest of his career if he keeps going the way he is now.
CB: Jaap Stam
The one that got away. Not that Katy Perry song. Stam could have been the greatest ever United player, had he not slagged off a number of United players, and accused his manager of tapping him up. That doesnt go down well. But in four years he became the most feared Centre Back since since David May. And its rare that someone crosses Sir Alex, gets sold by Sir Alex and then the boss admits it may have been a mistake.
LM: Ryan Giggs
Boundless energy. So much so he used it on and off the pitch. But his skill and his dancing feet have brought him plaudits from all over the globe for many, many years. Almost as old as time itself, Giggs has been a focal point of everything that represents United. Fergie brought him through the reserves, right into the first team and hes stayed ever since. Could go on for years yet.
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
Bit of a toughie this one, seeing as I had a mug with David Beckham on it (mug on a mug jokes are welcome). And Ronaldo hardly ever stuck to the right wing. But Ronaldo pretty much made the rest of the Premiership look average in his six years at OT. His terrible hair cut (what was with those blonde bits) and his inability to kick the ball to a United player soon was replaced by a not-so-terrible haircut and skills reminiscent of Georgie Best. The fact that he has gone on to embarrass Real Madrids history too suggests hes not a one-trick-pony. Plus that free kick against Portsmouth. Just wow.
CM: Roy Keane
In 1997-98 season, Roy Keane was chasing the ball against Leeds when he ruptured his cruciate ligament. He fell to the ground and was out for most of the season. Alf Inge Haland stood over him, accusing Keane of faking his injury and trying to win a penalty. In the 2001 Manchester derby, Roy Keane just about missed the ball and only very slightly caught Haland on the knee. Hardly any contact (Perhaps there was a little contact) Keane was banned for a total of eight games for admitting he had went out to injure Haland. Keanes book reads as follows: I'd waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c**t. And don't ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries. Legend.
CM: Paul Scholes
When I think of Paul Scholes, I think of goals. And theres that one picture of him and his little Paul Scholes falls out. But mainly the goals thing. The fact he retired, then came back and ended up being better than just about everyone else in the Premier League suggests hes probably got a bit of talent. Hoofing the ball from outside the box against Bradford and Villa are two of the millions of goals that he scored. And if he signs a contract for next season, hell probably score a million more. (Dont look for that picture)
FW: Wayne Rooney
Hes not always covered himself in glory (that contract fiasco from last year still lingers in the back of my mind) and his hair may be more unreliable than John Terrys wedding vows, but the talent of the man cannot be ignored. Now fourth on Uniteds all time goal-scoring charts, and looking as if hes going to continue, Rooney has curbed his enthusiasm (and by enthusiasm I mean his desire to kick people up in the air, for United at least) and has focused on scoring goals. He has arguably carried United this season on more than one occasion, and whenever he gets his chance in Euro 2012, hell probably do the same for England. A few more seasons like this and hell be Uniteds top scorer of all time. No question.
FW: Eric Cantona
When I imagine how my life would have been if I had been able to kick a ball and not be knackered by the end of it, Id have been Eric Cantona. I am not a man. I am Cantona. I remember watching Cantonas goal against Sunderland in 1996 and thinking Why doesnt everyone do that? Its because they cant. He was everything that Balloteli wants to be. He had arrogance pouring from him, but he had the talent to match. His greatest ever moment on a pitch wasnt a goal but a pass to Irwin. Youtube it. Every team needs someone that can karate kick a spectator. Just like me.
Subs:
GK: Edwin van der Saar DF: Rio Ferdinand MF: David Beckham FW: Ruud van Nistelrooy FW: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
