Paul Scholes was tasked with selecting an ultimate Manchester United XI when he opted to leave out two players who won the Ballon d’Or during their time at Old Trafford.
Forever remembered as one of the greatest midfielders to play for Manchester United, Paul Scholes played 716 matches for the club between 1993 and 2011, which is the third-highest number of appearances by any player.
Scholes, graduating from United’s academy as a member of the Class of ‘92, shared a dressing room with some of the best players in the club’s history.
The England international won the Premier League 11 times and the Champions League twice, although he missed out on the 1999 European Cup final due to suspension.
There are not many people in a better position to name an ultimate United XI than Scholes, but even he found it difficult.
Paul Scholes’ dream Man Utd XI selection
Scholes was challenged by Icons to produce an all-time United XI.
However, Scholes was given two options for each position, like Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam, as one of the centre-backs.
As with any dream United XI, big names were left out, but all of those selected by Scholes warrant a place given what they achieved at Old Trafford.
- Peter Schmeichel
- Denis Irwin
- Rio Ferdinand
- Nemanja Vidic
- Gary Neville
- Ryan Giggs
- Roy Keane
- Michael Carrick
- David Beckham
- Wayne Rooney
- Ruud van Nistelrooy
Apologising after his selection, Scholes admitted it was “hard to pick some positions,” which is always going to be the case when you have to leave out players like Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Eric Cantona.
There will be United fans arguing that Scholes would have a place in their dream XI.
Paul Scholes snubs Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best
Scholes picked Ryan Giggs, the most decorated player in English football history, over five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
That may raise eyebrows, but Giggs spent 23 years as a United player, showing incredible longevity, consistency and ability to win major honours. He won the Premier League 13 times and was a key member of the 1999 Treble-winning team.
Scholes also picked Roy Keane over Bryan Robson, and David Beckham over Ballon d’Or-winning George Best.
All of those selected were influential during a time United dominated English football under Sir Alex Ferguson.
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