Paul Scholes has revealed his all-time Manchester United XI, which includes the snubbing of Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as many other legendary Red Devils.
Paul Scholes made a total of 718 appearances for Manchester United, which saw him score 155 goals across a 19-year career, spanning from 1994 to 2013.
In this time, the English midfielder won 11 Premier League titles, as well as two Champions League trophies, as he starred alongside many of the world’s greatest ever players.
Scholes decided to end his playing career in 2013, alongside his legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, before stepping into the worlds of management and punditry.
Having been a constant feature in the United side for 19 years, starting in 1994, Scholes is in a better position than anybody to give his opinion on an all-time XI for the Red Devils.
Scholes’ dream XI
When challenged by Icons to produce an all-time XI for United, via United In Focus, Scholes was offered two options at each position, such as Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam for one of the centre-back spots.
This led to a lot of big names being left out of the side, which is to be expected when you produce an XI of one of the most decorated and infamous clubs on the planet.
Peter Schmeichel stands in goal behind a rock-solid backline of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, and Denis Irwin — a perfect blend of leadership, grit, and class.
In midfield, Scholes opts for control and bite with Roy Keane and Michael Carrick, flanked by the creativity and flair of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
Up front, Wayne Rooney partners the ruthless Ruud van Nistelrooy, forming a strike duo capable of terrorising any defence.
It goes without saying that there are a fair few names that have been controversially left out of Scholes’ XI, with the 50-year-old even leaving himself out of the side.
Scholes apologises for snubs
Scholes admitted that it was “hard to pick some positions”, given that players such as Edwin Van Der Sar, Eric Cantona, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo were all left out.
Ronaldo was unlucky to have missed out on a spot on the wings due to the former midfielder picking his long-time teammate, Giggs, over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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As well as this, on the other wing, Scholes opted for Beckham instead of Best, which will have raised a few eyebrows, although it is understandable given how long Scholes spent alongside his fellow countryman.
It feels as if the former United man could have picked an entire second XI built of former legends of the Reds, which goes to show just how many top talents have dedicated parts, if not all, of their careers to the club.
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