I fell in love with The Busby Babes – the Manchester United team of the mid-50s – when I was around 10 years old and living in South London. It’s been an on/off love affair ever since then and characterised by all of the triumphs and heartbreaks a great passion can bring.
Like all dedicated fans, I’ve argued the pros and cons of each generation of Red Devils on the terraces, in the bars and in the living rooms with anyone who would listen. But I had never taken the time to work out what my best eleven players was from all those wonderful teams I’d watched over nearly 70 years. As you might guess, the recent passing of Sir Bobby Charlton brought back many fond memories. He, more than any other player, embodied the spirit of a club that espoused thrilling, adventurous, skilful football. And it is that grand notion that will inform my selections for this team. I’ll set the team up in a 4-4-2 formation, pick a Captain, a handful of substitutes to warm the bench (Having subs makes it a little easier to name a starting eleven) and a Manager.
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Defenders: Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra
Midfield: George Best, Roy Keane (C), Duncan Edwards, Bobby Charlton
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Denis Law
Substitutes: Alex Stepney (GK), Gary Neville (D), Eric Cantona (M), Ryan Giggs (M), Wayne Rooney (F)
Manager: Alex Ferguson
Just a few words of explanation; This selection is broadly representative of the 3 great teams of the 50s, the mid-60s and the late 90s/early noughties. Duncan Edwards was probably the outstanding player of his generation but lost his life as a result of the 1958 Munich air crash. Bobby Charlton provides the link between the 50s and the 60s.
George Best had to be there. Quite simply, he was the greatest player I ever saw kick a football. If Best is in, then undoubtedly Denis Law must be there also. Those two were the crucible that fired the phenomenon of United in the 60s and the extraordinary following that the club attracted. And Sir Alex is Manager not only for his record of success but also because I believe he would have been able to manage George Best so that he may have realised his full potential. I can dream, can’t I?
Roy Keane is the only Captain I want. The phrase, ‘he has your back’ was invented for him. Roy was tireless, fearless and endlessly demanding of improvement in himself and those around him. And, believe me, you’d much rather play with him than against him.
Clearly, there are some notable omissions and David Beckham is foremost of these. But George has the number 7 shirt and honestly, I’d rather have Cantona and Giggsy on the bench. So there it is. If by some stroke of metaphysical luck this team could ever take the field, I’d pay an awful lot of money to see them.
wbalanstuart
wiseblood.net 