Manchester face a tricky test this weekend as they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, who are unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions. Having drawn 0-0 with Watford in their last game, however, the Blues have less momentum than United, who breezed past Stoke earlier this week, beating them 3-0.
The game between Chelsea and United has thrown up some brilliant encounters over the years – but some even better players. We’ve come up with a combined starting eleven from the two clubs – spanning the entirety of the Premier League era. It’s quite the outfit!
GK: Edwin van der Sar
It’s a really, really tough call between this man, Peter Schmeichel and Petr Cech – but it’s Edwin who gets the nod here.
RB: Gary Neville
United’s best right-back at least in the Premier League era was never going to be left out here. What a player.
CB: Nemanja Vidic
Considered here were Rio Ferdinand, Jaap Stam, and Marcel Desailly, but Nemanja’s warrior-like spirit and status as a Premier League legend won him the spot.
CB: John Terry
John Terry and Manchester United have certainly had their differences, but he couldn’t be left out – one of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen.
LB: Ashley Cole
Yes, Patrice Evra was very good. Yes, Irwin was a class-act; but Ashley Cole gets in here because of the threat he posed for 90 minutes in both defence and attack, for such a long time at Chelsea.
RM: Gianfranco Zola
It was very tempting to include Juan Mata, given that he’s produced magic for both sides – but it’s another wizard who gets in here instead!
CM: Frank Lampard
Sorry Roy, it’s impossible to leave out the man who has outscored strikers such as Thierry Henry, Michael Owen and Teddy Sheringham, playing as a midfielder.
CM: Paul Scholes
The finest midfielder the Premier League has ever seen, Scholesy could have walked into any starting eleven in the world and improved it, and probably do it blindfolded.
LM: Cristano Ronaldo
There is absolutely no question that this man deserves to be in the team. No explanation needed.
ST: Didier Drogba
An absolute monster of a striker, the big Ivorian wreaked havoc upon United a few times…. as well as tearing up the rest of the league, too.
ST: Wayne Rooney
United’s all-time top scorer has found the net against Chelsea a few times in his career and is undoubtedly one of the best players in Premier League history. Easily included here.
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
The first name on the team-sheet. Well, the dugout sheet. if such a thing exists.