Understood. All those were as you say brilliant players.
That midfield.....jeez....that's scaryWouldn't classify this as a starting XI of absolute best players I've seen, considering glaring omissions like Messi, Cristiano, Xavi and so forth. But, it is definitely functional (as in the whole should be greater than the sum of individual parts from a theoretical standpoint) and one that I would pay to watch, specifically under peak Fergie, who is obviously the best manager of my lifetime.
Cantona—Fenômeno
Giggs—Redondo—Keane—Beckham
Maldini—Vidić—Ferdinand—Zanetti
van der Sar
- Defense: pretty good, even with the omission of Nesta, Cafú, Buffon and co. Two all-time great fullbacks bookending the outstanding central core of Edwin, Ferdinand and Vidić. Also, I like the balance on the flanks — as they were all willing runners with an outstanding workrate.
- Midfield: saw no reason to surgically dissect and dismantle 4—4—2 perfection, given how they affected games on the ball and how they worked as a unit off it. Redondo should be a seamless fit, and provides a unique combination of silk and steel to the trademark United midfield. Tempted by Schweinsteiger, Davids and co. but Fergie was always full of praise for El Príncipe:
- Attack: Ronaldo expanding the pitch in inimitable fashion...especially on counters, and Cantona (only witnessed the last stages of his career but ok) working his magic in the hole.
Ah! Not the best in absolute terms, but I like that team A LOT
From the 80s onward, this attack has to be the real best of the best without any doubt imho.
