Fergie’s greatest ever Man Utd XI
GOALKEEPER: Peter Schmeichel
The giant Dane (five titles, one European Cup) edges out Ewin van der Sar
(four titles, one European Cup), mainly thanks to his extraordinary presence
and positional play.
RIGHT-BACK: Gary Neville
Ultra-consistent, the outspoken England man’s all-round efficiency for United
spanned 19 years and 602 appearances.
CENTRE-BACK: Jaap Stam
One of Fergie’s few exit errors was was allowing Stam to go in 2001. The
Dutchman was a classical centre-back: strong-tackling, superb in the air and
a supreme reader of the game. Won the title in each of his three seasons at
Old Trafford.
CENTRE-BACK: Rio Ferdinand
No other English defender of the modern generation has rivalled Ferdinand’s
ease on the ball. And at his decade-long peak he had the pace, as well as
all the conventional rearguard qualities, to keep United’s current main man
at the back, Nemanja Vidic, out of this best-ever XI.
LEFT-BACK: Patrice Evra
The Frenchman’s more complete game pips Mr Steady Denis Irwin, although many
will feel the right-footed Ireland ace deserves a place for his long-serving
impact.
RIGHT-WING: Cristiano Ronaldo
David Beckham is an impressive but distant runner-up for this berth. Because
Portuguese great Ronaldo was a one-time world player of the year in his six
seasons at United. And he is the perfect example of a modern attacker: fast,
skilful and energetic but also fearless, strong and better in the air than
even the most traditional of targetmen. Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Argentinian
raider Lionel Messi remain a class above the rest of the planert. And if
Ronaldo rejoins United then he could soon be regarded as their finest-ever
player.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Roy Keane
A giant in character and performance, the Irishman struck fear and loathing
into his Premier League rivals for his sour aggression, box-to-box energy
and sound passing. Had legendary duels with Arsenal’s Patrick Vieira. But
his signature display came in the 1999 Champions League last-four clash
against Juventus in Turin, when he was already booked and out of the final.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Paul Scholes
The England star’s technique, finishing and deft passing over all ranges lift
him above Bryan Robson’s more show-stopping reputation.World greats like
Xavi and Edgar Davids compare Scholes to continental greats.
LEFT-WING: Ryan Giggs
Perhaps United’s top performer of all time. Most of his 23 years and near-900
games for United have tormented full-backs with his high-speed weaving and
left-foot mastery down the flank. But, this decade, the Welshman has become
a clever prompter from central midfield
STRIKER: Wayne Rooney
Robin van Persie might well have nabbed this spot had he joined United a
season or two earlier. And Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged 95 goals in his 150
matches under Fergie. But instead versatile warrior Rooney, who many tipped
to be an all-time England great, wins a place for his nine mostly-impressive
years. Personal-life controversy, a transfer request U-turn and question
marks over his relationship with Fergie have occasionally marred Rooney's
stint at United. But - aside from Ronaldo and now RVP - he has usually been
their chief hope for inspiration.
STRIKER: Eric Cantona
An enigma almost everywhere else, Cantona was a swaggering sensation at
United, thanks to a unique blend of touch, towering bravura and special
goals. A Kung Fu kick at a Crystal Palace fan, and the resulting ban, barely
dented the awe in which Old Trafford fans held, and still hold, him.
source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4919869/Alex-Fergusons-greatest-ever-Manchester-United-XI.html
Tiada ulasan:
Catat Ulasan