The All-Manchester United Squad 99/09

Charlie Klein

The mecca of world football news web sites goal.com is doing a special called teams of the decade for any club of importance over the next few weeks. Before they announce their all-United squad, I decided that I would pre-empt it with a squad of my own.

Goalkeeper: Edwin Van Der Sar

Peter Schmeichel definitely merits consideration for this position, but considering the fact that he only spent one year on United's squad during the years in question nullifies his inclusion. The keepers that preceded Edwin in a United shirt, a long list, include Fabian Barthez, Tim Howard, Mark Bosnich, and Roy Carroll. Edwin was not even offered the No. 1 kit until the 2006-2007 campaign. His records for longest time without conceding a goal combined with his performance in the 2008 Champions League Final will forever cement his place as one of the greatest keepers in United history.

Defense

RB: Gary Neville

What a loyal foot soldier Gary Neville has been for Sir Alex all these years. In 1999 he was a pacy right back who drove down the flanks overlapping with Beckham and Blomqvist and in 2009 attempted to revive his career overlapping with Ronaldo. Consistently during his prime years for United a standout player who endeared himself to supporters by publicly declaring his hatred for Liverpool and Scouse Land.

RCB: Jaap Stam

Brought in by Mr. Alex in 1999 to fill a major hole in central defense for United, Stam not only brough a calming influence to the back four but helped United to their historic treble season in 1999. It really is too bad that his time at United will forever be remembered by his acrimonious exit and not for his exceptional play in Manchester red.

LCB: Rio Ferdinand

What really do I need to say about this guy? Rio Ferdinand has been worth every penny of the 29.1 million sterling United paid their favourite farm club Leeds United back in 2002. He has been a rock in the United defense leading the team to four English Premier League titles. He is also the captain elect upon the retirement of Giggs and Neville. I would expect that he will make the next all-decade team for United too.

LB: Patrice Evra

I honestly gave some thought to Dennis Irwin, but ultimately decided to go with my boy from Dakar, Senegal, Patty Evra. He joined the United cause in January of 2006 in arguably one of United's best winter transfer windows in which they also signed Nemanja Vidic. His incredible pace down the left combined with his strong tackling has made Evra one of the best, if not the best, left back in world football.

Midfield

RW: Cristiano Ronaldo

I think this guy's quotations say everything I could have said about him. Ronaldo is one of the greatest players to ever don the United kit in its 131 year history. Love him or hate him Ronaldo's impact on United is unquestionable. His 42 goal season during the 07/08 campaign lead United to the Promised Land. His mesmerizing free kicks and step overs left us all spellbound and wondering how on earth he could top what he had just done.

RCM: Roy Keane (C)

Unquestionably one of the greatest captains in United history. Captain Fantastic ruled the field at all times whenever he was patrolling the midfield for United. One of the most physical players in the game, having shattered shin bones many-a-time intimidating opponents into submission. Keano is also one of the greatest midfielders in United history, not just in the past decade. His cavalier style of play compelled many United teams to victory.

LCM: David Beckham

His name is David Beckham. Really, what more could I say? His free kicks were the subjects of physics classes in England and while he was, like Ronaldo, loved and hated throughout world football, he will always be loved at United.

LW: Ryan Giggs

His goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup Semifinal versus Arsenal will forever be remembered in United lore. Giggsy beat at least four Arsenal defenders on his own en route to scoring the game winner in the 109th minute. That goal will pretty much tell you all you need to know about Giggsy's time at United. Giggs owns the record for most appearences by a United player and is in the top five best players to ever play for United.

Strikers

RF: Ruud Van Nistelrooy

The man's strike rate should really say it all for me, in fact, that's all I will say. 95 goals in 150 appearences. That's 0.63 goals per appearance rate.

LF: Wayne Rooney

The man would die for the club. If you need anything more than that, look at how unselfishly the man has done everything for the team. Rooney has played out of position for the good of the club whenever asked by Sir Alex. The boy Wayne is only 23 years old and he makes this team without much debate! He has already scored 65 goals for United.

Honourable Mentions: Paul Scholes, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Nemanja Vidic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Peter Schmeichel.

Come one come all and post comments of who you think I should have chosen etc. The greatest thing about a club like United is just how many players are eligible for consideration!