Manchester United are undoubtedly the best club in the Premier League era as the club dominated both English football as well as European football with ease under legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
The club has won a record 13 Premier League titles and have dominated the league with such ease and have been a force to beat at their home ground, Old Trafford. The success of the Red Devils under Ferguson was primarily due to their high priority to their academy as they brought up so many exciting talents over time. The team still remains the only English side to ever win a treble as they won Champions League, Premier League and FA cup in the 1998-99 season.
Here we look at the best playing XI for Manchester United in Premier League era.
GK- Peter Schmeichel
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper to ever play in England, the big Dane has made a name for himself at the club as he was bought for just £500,000 from Brondby in 1991. He was elected as the best goalkeeper in the world in 1992 and 1993 and was one of the major players at the club during his time at Old Trafford.
RB- Gary Neville
One of the greatest Manchester United academy products, Gary Neville has become a legend at the club as he played for 19 seasons with Manchester United from 1992 to 2011. He was a leader in the defense and made a massive 602 appearances for the Red Devils. He was also appointed as the captain of the club in 2005.
CB- Rio Ferdinand
The defender is arguably the best centre back Manchester United have had over the last three decades. Signed as the most expensive British transfer from Leeds United in 2002, Rio Ferdinand has proved the worth of every penny Manchester United had spent on him. He spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford and was the key defender for Manchester United in the 21st century.
CB- Jaap Stam
The Dutch defender has spent just three seasons with the club but was pivotal in their defense during the period as he helped the club win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, One Champions League and the Intercontinental cup during that period. He has been athletic and was the leader of the defense during the three years but Ferguson have sold him to Lazio. The decision was later regretted by the manager as well as fans from across the world.
LB- Denis Irwin
The Irish defender has joined Manchester United in 1990 from Oldham Athletic for just £625,000 and was an integral part of the core of defense during his 12-year spell at the club. He had the perfect balance between the defense and offense which a full back need in the game of football.
CM- Roy Keane
The Irish midfielder is at the heart of Manchester United midfield during their dominance in English football during the late 90s and early 00s. The Red Devils fans are still waiting for his replacement even after him leaving the club in 2003. The Irishman was a leader in the team and has been the best central midfielder during his time at Old Trafford as he won 17 major trophies with the club.
CM- Paul Scholes
Can be called once in a generation player, Paul Scholes have been the greatest midfielder English football has seen since the start of Premier League. He has made an impressive 718 appearances for the club over 20 seasons and has been one of the best midfielders in the world in the 21st century.
RM- David Beckham
Another great Manchester United academy prodigy, David Beckham has went on to become one of the greats in the game. His created a name for himself during his time at Manchester United over his 11-year spell before moving to Real Madrid in 2003. He made 394 appearances for the club and have been one of the key members in their success.
LM- Ryan Giggs
Possibly the greatest footballer ever to play for Manchester United in their illustrious history, Ryan Giggs have beaten all the odds to play at the highest level for 24 years before quitting in 2014. He has even served as assistant manager for Manchester United till last season as he is a true great. He made an unbelievable 963 appearances for the Red Devils.
ST- Cristiano Ronaldo
Brought as a replacement for David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo has made a name for himself since the 2003-04 season with his outrageous skills as he became one of the greatest footballers in the world by the time he left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009 for a world record fee. He made 292 appearances for United in his six years spell as he played both on wings as well as up front.
ST- Eric Cantona
The Frenchman was arguably the best striker Manchester United had in Premier League till date as he had the feet to work hard to bring the glory for the club under Alex Ferguson. The legendary manager has gone on to buy in 1992 transfer window for £1.2m from bitter rivals Leeds United. He won four league titles with Manchester United during his five-year spell at Old Trafford.
