Roy Keane made some surprises when announcing his greatest Manchester United Premier League XI side on Sky Sports last night.
Following Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Brentford, the attention turned to Roy Keane as he sat with Jamie Carragher to discuss his greatest Manchester United team of the Premier League era.
Deciding from a group of hugely talented players, it was Peter Schmeichel who started in goal, despite their personal differences. Keane overlooked current No.1 David De Gea, who has been one of the club’s greatest players in the last decade.
While Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar was a key part of their 2008 Champions League winning side.
◎ David de Gea
◎ Edwin van der Sar
◉ Peter Schmeichel
Roy Keane names Peter Schmeichel as his greatest Manchester United keeper. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/uFiwnk8Sh0— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 2, 2022
Gary Neville and Denis Irwin were simple decisions as full backs, while Jaap Stam was surprisingly partnered by Gary Pallister, overlooking both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
When explaining his decision, Keane admitted his treatment during his early days at United played a big part.
"When I first went to United, certain lads went out of their way to help you, with the nightlife, (Lee) Sharpey and people like that helped me, and Pally (Gary Pallister) was always on the scene as well.
"Big and strong, always looked exhausted, I would have him in there, really good player."
◎ Rio Ferdinand
◉ Gary Pallister
◎ Steve Bruce
◎ Nemanja Vidić
◎ Ronny Johnsen
◉ Jaap Stam
Roy Keane picks his greatest ever central defenders for Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/XftwyQezer— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 2, 2022
On the wings, there was little debate as Ryan Giggs and David Beckham took their spots. However, central midfield saw a huge surprise.
Being humble and deciding to not pick himself, Keane picked Bryan Robson, to be partnered with Paul Ince.
To the surprise of many, the former Manchester United captain overlooked Paul Scholes to pick Ince.
"Maybe he tarnished his United reputation, of course he ended up playing at Liverpool.
"Incey was a very good team-mate, and a very, very good player. He could head it, he could defend he could get you a goal, strong, and I enjoyed his company."
Up front, Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer Wayne Rooney was joined up front by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roy Keane’s Manchester United XI (4-4-2).
- Peter Schmeichel
- Gary Neville
- Gary Pallister
- Jaap Staam
- Denis Irwin
- David Beckham
- Paul Ince
- Bryan Robson
- Ryan Giggs
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Wayne Rooney
SEE ALSO: Carragher Says Klopp Had A Bigger Rebuilding Job Than Ten Hag
