United dominate greatest 11 of all time

Given our dominance of the Premier League I would have called foul play had it turned out any other way but United have stamped their dominance all over Barclays’ all time greatest XI.

United players occupied 7 of 11 positions as well as Sir Alex taking up the role in the dug out but some of the selection will raise a few eyebrows.

Compiled following a poll of over 260,000 people on the  Barclays Football Facebook page the final team read:

GK – Peter Schmeichel
LB  – Patrice Evra
CB – Tony Adams
CB – John Terry
RB – Gary Neville
LM – Ryan Giggs
CM – Paul Scholes
CM – Steven Gerrard
RM – David Beckham
CF – Eric Cantona
CF – Thierry Henry
MANAGER: Sir Alex Ferguson

And as well as dominating in the number of position occupied, United players also dominated in percentage of votes polled with Schmeichel taking 48% followed by Edwin van der Sar with 22% in the goalkeeper vote and Gary Neville taking a whopping 58% of all votes in the right back category.

But the most resounding victory was that of Ryan Giggs who took 73% of all votes as the Premier League’s greatest left winger. David Beckham’s inclusion ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo at right wing will raise some eyebrows but his 51% to Ronaldo’s 35% makes the decision quite clear (even if I don’t agree!).

Another decision that will raise a lot of eyebrows is Steven Gerrard taking 23% of the poll compared to Paul Scholes’ 21% in terms of greatest central midfielder, just goes to show Scousers do know how to use computers!

In terms of managers the closest contender to Sir Alex’s throne was the man tipped to replace him when he finally steps down, Jose Mourinho. Yet as great as ‘The Great One’ proclaims himself to be he will have to settle for 2nd place as his 14% didn’t come anywhere near Sir Alex’s 64%.