25 May 2011 12:00:00
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When Manchester United’s players face Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday, they will not only be looking to avenge their defeat to the La Liga champions in Rome two years ago. An honour even more illustrious to the likes of Chicharito et al is the promise of adding their names to the list of club greats who have already lifted European football’s most sought after prize.
From the Red Devils’ first European Cup under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 to the treble winners in ’99 and defeating Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea in the billionaire’s own backyard, the pantheon of Old Trafford legends is littered with greats of the game that have conquered the continent.
A team of Goal.com writers have compiled United’s greatest ever European Cup winning XI, looking at the individual performances that have not only secured victory in the famous finals but have got the club there in the first place.
Formation: 4-4-2
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Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel Team: 1998-1999 Graham Lister: “While Alex Stepney made a crucial save to prevent Eusebio winning the ’68 final just before the end of normal time, Schmeichel commanded his area with a presence no other United keeper has measured up to. “That presence was decisive throughout the ’98-99 campaign, particularly in the quarter-final against Inter and the final itself against Bayern – which he fittingly captained in his last game for the club.” |
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Right-back – Gary Neville Team: 1998-1999 Stephen Darwin: “One of the more consistent and reliable performers throughout the ’90s, and especially in 1999. “Not only sound defensively, the former England stalwart never shirked his attacking duties in supporting Beckham up the right wing.” |
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Centre-back – Rio Ferdinand
Team: 2007-2008 Matt Monaghan: “Rio Ferdinand was at height of his powers in the run to United’s 2008 success. “He was a key performer in a defence that conceded just one goal in knockout stage games with Lyon, Roma and Barcelona.” |
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Centre-back – Jaap Stam Team: 1998-1999 Graham Lister: “The Dutchman enjoyed a phenomenal debut season with the Red Devils, injecting no-nonsense steel and leadership into a back line that needed it by mid-1998, when becoming the world’s most expensive defender inspired rather than inhibited him. “Underlining his impact, he was voted the best defender in the ’98-99 Champions League.” |
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Left-back – Denis Irwin
Team: 1998-1999 Jonathan Birchall: “Arguably the most underrated player in the club’s history, Denis Irwin’s performances on the road to Barcelona were as brilliant as they were understated. “Creative, dynamic and frighteningly consistent, the Irishman’s efforts against the best in Europe during the treble season cement his reputation as a true United great.” |
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Right midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo
Team: 2007-2008 Graham Lister: “Although not sharing Johan Cruyff’s opinion that Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, I can’t disagree that Ronaldo was superlative during the 2007-08 campaign, up to and including scoring United’s goal in the final.“Named best forward and player of the tournament and was the competition’s top goalscorer as well as winning the European Golden Shoe, becoming the first winger to do so.” |
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Centre midfield – Paul Scholes
Teams: 1998-1999 & 2007-2008Carlo Garganese: “Scholes delivered outstanding performances, and vital goals in both the 1999 and 2008 Champions League winning campaigns. He scored an important equaliser in the quarter-final second leg against Inter in 99, and a wondergoal screamer against Barcelona that won the 2008 semi. “He is quite simply the best English player of his generation.” |
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Centre midfield – Bobby Charlton Team: 1967-1968
Stephen Darwin: “United’s first European Cup winning captain, Charlton was a truly remarkable performer with an aura and natural ability that inspired his team-mates around him. “Scored two goals in the 1968 final to help guide United to the extra-time triumph over Benfica at Wembley.” |
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Left midfield – George Best Team: 1967-1968 Matt Monaghan: “Best stole the show in the final against Benfica to become the European Football of the Year and the sport’s first mega star. “The way he put Benfica goalkeeper Jose Henrique on his backside with a sumptuous step-over to begin United’s injury-time rout summed up the Northern Irishman’s majesty.” |
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Striker – Dwight Yorke Team: 1998-1999Matt Monaghan: “Terrorised Italian defences on the way to the 1999 final and helped himself to three strikes against Juventus and Inter in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
“Yorke’s chemistry with Andy Cole ensured he enjoyed a 29-goal debut campaign at Old Trafford, eight of those coming in the Champions League.” |
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Striker – Andy Cole Team: 1998-1999
Jonathan Birchall: “Cole may not receive the same plaudits as his partner in telepathy Yorke but it would be a crime to split them up. Fifty-three goals in 98-99 between the pair and the former Newcastle man personally averaged a goal every other game in the Champions League. “He also got the winner away to Juventus to secure United’s place at the Nou Camp final. Cole and Yorke either play as a pair or they don’t play at all.” |
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Manchester United’s greatest ever European Cup winning XI