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Manchester United assistant manager, Ryan Giggs was asked by Sky Sports to pick the best eleven he has ever played with in his career. Giggs, himself, is considered a Man United legend in the eyes of most football fans.
Giggs was speaking to Sky Sports’ as he picked his One2Eleven for The Fantasy Football Club. It might not have been an easy job for the former United player, considering the number of legends that the Man United teams had during the nineties and the noughties.
Below is the list of the top XI players Ryan Giggs played with during his career, along with his quotes about each player. Giggs opted to go for a traditional Man United 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel
Giggs’ choice for the man between the sticks was the imposing Dane, who played 393 times for the Red Devils over eight seasons.
“It was probably between three goalkeepers - Schmeichel, Neville Southall and Edwin van der Saar. But Peter was at the top of his game when I played with him… he was larger than life, a massive character and a winner.”
Right-back – Gary Neville
Former Man United captain and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was Giggs’ first choice for the right-back position who played for Man United throughout his career that had 602 appearances.
“The easiest decision in the team. He was England's No 1 for so many years and he was so consistent. His biggest quality was his positional play, he was always in the right position.”
Centre-back – Jaap Stam
Although Stam played only just over three seasons for Man United, his impact did not go unnoticed by Giggs as he chose Stam as one of the two centre-backs.
“He had everything. He was good in the air, had good feet, was quick, strong and aggressive.”
Centre-back – Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand made the cut to be the second centre-back in Giggs’ XI. Ferdinand played 455 times for Man United and won six Premier League titles with Giggs. He forged a great partnership with Serbian Nemanja Vidic, who, some might feel, missed out on making Giggs’ team.
“He was a brilliant leader, brilliant in the air and a great defender. He would work well with Stam too.”
Left-back – Denis Irwin
This position had Giggs divided as to whether to pick Irwin or Frenchman Patrice Evra. Giggs decided to go for the Irishman because of his all-round abilities.
“Another difficult one because I played with two brilliant left-backs - Denis Irwin and Patrice Evra. I just go for Denis because he was so consistent and he scored goals from penalties, free-kicks and open play and could also play with both feet.”
Right-midfield – David Beckham
One of the most popular football players in recent history, David Beckham's talent needs no justification. Beckham played with Giggs in the Man United youth team as well as in the first team.
“The best crosser of the ball I have ever seen. You would make a run and he would put the ball into your path without having to break stride. A brilliant footballer.”
Centre-midfield – Roy Keane
Man United's former captain, Roy Keane was a mercurial presence in the middle of the pitch and had the ability to inspire those around him with his commitment and passion.
“The best captain I played under. A brilliant player who led by example. He would be the first name on my team sheet.”
Centre-midfield – Paul Scholes
Partnering Keane in midfield was Giggs’ teammate for a nearly twenty years, Paul Scholes. Scholes played for Man United in 718 matches and scored 155 goals. Sir Alex Ferguson recently named Scholes in four of the world-class players he has managed in his time at United.
“He could control a game and complemented Keane brilliantly. He was an unbelievable talent.”
Left-midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo was probably one of the most flamboyant players to have graced the red of Man United. He won the Ballon d’Or for the first time when he was playing for Man United. In his six seasons at Man United, Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances, with 91 of those coming in his last three seasons.
“He was a brilliant player. He took a bit of time to settle but then grew into the world's best player and has got stronger and stronger. He can score every type of goal and is just a phenomenal player.”
Forward – Eric Cantona
Cantona was named as the first of Giggs’ two forwards. Despite being a Man United player for only five seasons, the impact that the Frenchman had on the club was of immense proportions. He helped Man United win their first English top division title in 25 years.
“He had a massive influence on my career as a young player coming into the team. We struck up a good relationship and he ruled Old Trafford for five years. He was an unbelievable talent to play with and watch in games and training.”
Forward – Wayne Rooney
Present Man United captain Wayne Rooney made the cut to become the second forward in Giggs’ team. He is presently England's leading scorer and the joint-second scorer for Man United. He has been consistent for Man United in that he has reached double figures in every season that he has played.
“He has got a bit of everything. He has embraced the role of captaining his country and then being United's captain. He has been so consistent after starting out at such a young age.”
