Peter Schmeichel: The Danish goalkeeper’s eight-year spell at United ended with him lifting the European Cup in the Nou Camp. His ability won countless games and he was widely regarded as the world’s best during the Nineties. 10
Gary Neville : Injury ravaged his later years, and Neville was at the peak of his powers in 1999. England’s undisputed first-choice at right-back, his partnership with David Beckham down the right flank was a formidable unit.8
Ronny Johnsen: The Norwegian centre-half was calm and assured on the ball and also a threat in the air when going forward. Rarely made a mistake, but his game was immeasurably helped by the Stam’s presence alongside.7
Jaap Stam: Labelled a ‘colossus’ by Sir Alex Ferguson, the Dutch defender was a rock at the heart of the defence. Strong, physical and deceptively quick, Ferguson has since admitted making a mistake in selling Stam. 9
Denis Irwin: The Irish full-back will go down as one of Ferguson’s best-ever buys after arriving in a £625,000 deal from Oldham in 1990. Comfortable on either foot, utterly consistent and offered a threat from free-kicks. 8
David Beckham: ‘Goldenballs’ was at the height of his career in 1999, playing on the right flank of Ferguson’s formidable midfield quartet.Pinpoint delivery from crosses, goals from midfield and some stunning free-kicks, too. 8
Paul Scholes: Scored 11 goals from midfield, including one in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle, but missed the Champions League final through suspension. In 1999, Scholes was box-to-box as well as a great passer. 9
Roy Keane: United’s domineering captain forged his iconic status by driving the team to victory against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final, despite knowing a ban would rule him out of the Final. 10
Ryan Giggs:The Welshman’s mercurial talent was highlighted by the stunning solo goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final. Shared wing duties with Jesper Blomqvist, but always favoured for the big games. 8
Dwight Yorke: Hit 29 goals in his first season at the club following his move from Aston Villa in Aug 1998 and formed a deadly partnership with Cole, which was supplemented by the talents of Teddy Sheringham. 8
Andy Cole : Although he scored 121 goals in seven years at Old Trafford, Cole was always viewed as a striker who would miss as many as he would score. A harsh label to apply as he often delivered in the big games. 7
Verdict The club’s original treble winners have the edge due to the sheer power and formidable nature of the Beckham-Keane-Scholes-Giggs midfield, which has yet to be replicated by the class of 2011. 92
Class of 2011
Edwin van der Sar: At 40, the Dutch goalkeeper is enjoying some of the best form of his career and United fans have vociferously tried to persuade him to postpone his plan to retire this summer. That prospect has been ruled out. 9
Rafael da Silva: Only 20, the Brazilian defender has already made 70 senior appearances for United. Although still betrayed by rash challenges on occasion, his improvement has been dramatic. Now first choice. 7
Rio Ferdinand: Would have been a 10 out of 10 in his pomp, but injuries have caught up with the 32 year-old and he is now used selectively. Immense against Chelsea during the Champions League quarter-finals, though. 8
Nemanja Vidic: The United captain is arguably the leading defender in the Premier League and Ferguson’s team suffer terribly without him. Has held together an inexperienced back four at times this season. 9
Patrice Evra : Would have rated alongside Ashley Cole as the world’s best left-back last season, but the defender appears to be suffering a hangover after captaining France during their World Cup nightmare. 7
Antonio Valencia: Recently back from a six-month ankle injury, the Ecuadorean is an unspectacular winger, but his return has coincided with Wayne Rooney’s form upsurge. Valencia’s crosses often lead to Rooney chances. 7
Michael Carrick: The England midfielder has suffered a difficult two years, but recent weeks have seen a return to form. His confidence is now flowing again and vision and penetrating passes have come back into his game. 7
Ryan Giggs: At 37, the Giggs of 2011 is a more impressive performer than the 1999 version. No longer possesses the pace, but his ability to dictate games from midfield and control the tempo is unsurpassed: 9
Nani: Eighteen months ago, the Portuguese winger appeared destined for the exit door, but his game has improved and his threat, as creator and scorer, has made him one of United’s top performers this season. 8
Wayne Rooney: Having endured a turbulent 12 months on and off the pitch, he has rediscovered his goal touch and ability to influence the biggest games in recent weeks. Keeping him at the club last October was crucial for United. 9
Javier Hernandez: Has been compared to 1999 hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after marking debut season in England with 18 goals. The Mexican has pace, movement and a goal touch that have edged out Dimitar Berbatov. 8
Glory2 MU!!! Make it happen for all the fanzies. From treble to double...