Greatest Manchester United Premier League XI of this century

Defence

Left back

Patrice Evra

Although the Frenchman may be known more for his kung-fu kicks these days (lot like another certain French player for Utd), in his prime he was a brilliant club servant for Man United. Known for his speed, passing and crossing abilities, Evra was as solid a defender as they come.

Towards the end of his United career he was even known to pop up with the odd goal or two, often spectacularly like his (ultimately worthless) goal against Bayern Munich in David Moyes' disastrous season in charge.

Centre back

Nemanja Vidić

Vidic was signed at the same time as Evra, back in January 2006, and it's fair to say he had an even bigger impact on Utd's fortunes than the flying Frenchman ever did. Vidic was a rock at the centre of Man Utd's defence for nearly 8 years, along with Rio Ferdinand he formed a partnership which struck fear into gthe hearts of centre-forwards.

Centre Back

Rio Ferdinand

Now a respected pundit and media commentator, Ferdinand was, until 2014, a mainstay of United's defence. Considering many people scoffed at Ferdinand's original £30 million transfer fee, he certainly paid that back multiple times over, at his 12 years at the club.

Though not renowned for his attacking abilities, he served as the perfect foil to Nemanja Vidic's more combative approach with his cultured forward play (like John Stones at the present) and won numerous honours throughout his time at the club.

Right Back

Gary Neville

To the puritans of football, Gary Neville was not a particularly technical or cultured right back. However, there's a reason that he won so many caps for England and trophies for Manchester Utd - his attitude.

A local lad from Manchester, Neville would sweat blood for the cause and was never afraid to put his heart on the line, an attribute which is reflected in his brilliant, unbiased analysis as a pundit on Sky Sports.